Monday, April 4, 2016

7th Pay commission: From Cabinet approval to basic pay, what govt staff need to know about increment

New Delhi, April 2: There is good news in the offing for Central Government employees as Seventh Pay Commission will be implemented soon. 

Reportedly within two to three months all the required things will be done so that increment will be handed over to government staff.

Here are all the latest developments about the pay commission.
 
 Final implementation 
 
Government will implement Pay commission most likely in July. 
 
Central Government employees will be paid six months arrears along with final increment. 
 
Notification for salary increment will be issued after State Assembly elections. 
 
Most likely it will be done in May. 
 
 Union Cabinet may approve recommendations of the Pay Commission in the month of June. 
 
 Confusion over minimum basic salary 
 
Government is contemplating to give around 19 percent raise on the existing minimum basic salary. 
 
Reports say that Empowered Committee of Secretaries will suggest minimum pay Rs 20,000 in place of Rs 18,000 which was proposed earlier. 
 
Central government employees who are not happy with present proposal want minimum pay Rs 26,000 
 
Army officers Vs civilian counterparts
 
 Army Officers are not happy with the present recommendations of Pay Commission and have aired their grievances many times to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar
 
 Defence forces have this feeling that if pay commission will be implemented in present form then it will position them much below their civilian counterparts in terms of salaries, facilities and status
 
 One of the main grudge that the armed forces have is with regard to risk-hardship matrix. 
 
 These officers say that a soldier posted in Siachen Glacier, which has the highest degree of both risk and hardship, gets an allowance of Rs 31,500 per month. 
 
In contrast, a civilian bureaucrat from the All India Services draws 30 per cent of his salary as "hardship allowance" when posted anywhere outside the comfort zone. 
 
 Under the new scale, a senior IAS official posted in a city in northeast will draw much more as "hardship allowance", compared to the Rs 31,500 per month drawn by military officers in Siachen.
 
 Government assured Army men
 
 Recently Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said that concerns of Armed forces will be addressed
 
 In an interview, he said, "The concerns raised by the armed forces would be taken up by the commission". 
 
He also gave hint that the proposed recommendations of 7th Pay Commission could be revised as Government has not yet taken final decision over the same
 
 Centre won't cut existing facilities 
 
Sources say that Government won't be making any changes in the existing advances and facilities, enjoyed by Central government employees.
 
 Pay commission had suggested abolition of many privileges and facilities including risk allowance, small family allowance, festival advance and motor cycle advance etc in its recommendations.
 
 Govt ordered to give maximum benefits to staff Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently had ordered officials to speed up review process so that it could be implemented soon.
 
 Modi asked Committee of Secretaries to provide maximum benefits to central staff.
 
 Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha headed empowered committee which was appointed to overview whole process was told to accept pay commission's recommendations without diluting the same.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Cabinet Likely To Approve 7th Pay Commission Award With Increment

New Delhi: The cabinet is likely to approve the 7th pay commission award for central government employees in June for which the public exchequer will have to spend an additional amount of Rs 1.02 lakh crore.
Report of 7th Pay Commission was presented to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in November.
Report of 7th Pay Commission was presented to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in November.
However, there are no dearness allowance in their salary structure as the government recently announced 125 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) on which the pay panel recommended the 7th pay commission award.
Introducing a new provision of perks with the pay packet, the central government is also likely to give a increment, which is to be due in July, the month of implementation of pay commission recommendations for the central government employees, sources said.
The pay panel recommended minimum pay to Rs 18,000 per month from Rs 7,000, while the maximum pay has been recommended Rs 2.5 lakh per month from current Rs 90,000. It’s made a width pay gap discrimination between employees and higher officers from existing 1:12 to 1: 13.8.
The Empowered Committee of Secretaries is likely to propose minimum pay Rs 20,ooo but central government employees unions demanded minimum pay Rs 26,000.
Under the pay scale the officers and employees will be entitled to House Rent Allowance (HRA) at the rate of 24 percent, 16 percent and 8 per cent of their new basic pays but it will be paid from the date of the Seventh pay commission award implementation. So no arrears will be paid in this segment.
The Commission also recommends that the rate of HRA will be revised to 27 percent, 18 percent and 9 percent respectively when DA crosses 50 percent, and further revised to 30 percent, 20 percent and 10 percent when DA crosses 100 percent.
So the HRA segment will rise dramatically more than 100 percent of the existing House Rent Allowance (HRA).
The pay as per the pay panel report was set at Rs 2.25 lakh for secretary-level officers. Accordingly, the House Rent Allowance (HRA) for secretaries would be more than Rs 56,000.
The report of the Seventh Pay Commission was presented to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in November with a recommendation for 14.27 per cent increase in basic pay. The overall increase in salary, allowances and pensions is 23.55%. The increase in allowances will be higher by 63% while pensions will rise 24%.
The government set up a 13-member Empowered Committee of Secretaries (CoS) headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha for processing the report of the Seventh Pay Commission before cabinet nod.
An Implementation Cell has been created in the Finance Ministry which works as the Secretariat of the Empowered Committee. All central government employees unions’ submitted their written demands in respect of seventh pay commission’s anomalies in the cell to review, which are under process.
The central government has also been provisioned Rs 70,000 crore in the Union Budget 2016-17 to meet the demand for the new pay commission award that will be made effective from January 2016.

Postal dept. supports voter awareness drive

CHENNAI, April 2, 2016

The Department of Posts has come forward to provide space at post offices and mail vans to display awareness messages urging voters to exercise their franchise. The space will be offered at a concessional rate.

At present, display boards inside and outside post offices and mail vans of the department are used by government bodies and the private sector to display advertisements at a nominal rate.
With the elections around the corner, India Post plans to display messages at up to 50 per cent of the existing rates.

This facility will be offered till the day of election (May 16). Interested persons may contact the Office of the Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, at 044-28594761 or send an email topmgccrbd@gmail.com.

Important instructions for today's (02.04.2016) POSB counter operations

From: Director (CBS) <directorcbs-del@indiapost.gov.in>
 
Date: 2 April 2016 at 08:36

Subject: Important instructions for today's (02.04.2016) POSB counter operations

Dear SPOCs
This is regarding resuming of counter operations for POSB business today i.e 02.04.2016. Please instruct all your CBS Post Offices regarding the following

DO NOT UPLOAD ANY BCP EXCEL TODAY FOR RD AND PPF subsequent deposits. Only new accounts can be opened with back value date and agent RD schedules can be posted with back value date.
Kindly ensure compliance. 

With regards,

Sachin Kishore
Director (CBS)
Sansad Marg,
Dak Bhavan

Government proposing that ATMs should not be replenished with cash after 8 PM




PROMOTION FROM GRADE I DRIVER TO THE CADRE OF SPECIAL GRADE DRIVER ORDERED - TN CIRCLE


Central govt employees to declare details of foreign accounts


PTI, New Delhi ,Updated: Mar 31, 2016 17:32 IST
All Central government employees have been asked to declare details of deposits in foreign bank accounts including those of their spouses and dependent children, as per the new rules under the Lokpal Act.

Besides, they have to give details of paintings, antiques, furniture and electronic equipments among others in case their total current value exceeds two months’ basic pay or Rs one lakh.

The declarations under the Lokpal Act are in addition to similar ones filed by the employees under various services rules. All Group A, B and C employees are supposed to file the declaration under the Lokpal law.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has written to all Central government ministries and Chief Secretaries of state governments to ensure that the employees working under them declare details of their assets and liabilities, along with that of their spouse and dependent children, by April 15.

All employees have to file returns of two years--i.e. for 2014 and 2015 by April 15--and another return giving details of their assets and liabilities for 2016 by July 31, this year.

“In this regard, it is stated that there shall be no further extension of the aforesaid last date i.e. April 15, 2016,” it said in the communique.

There are about 50 lakh Central government employees.

The employees will also have to inform separately in case of any investments of over Rs 2 lakh made in movable assets, insurance, bonds, shares and mutual funds in the new form.

Investment above Rs 2 lakh to be reported individually.

Investments below Rs 2 lakh may be reported together, it said.

“Details of deposits in foreign bank(s) to be given separately,” the DoPT said.

Employees have to give details of expensive furniture, fixtures, antiques, paintings and electronic equipment also if the total current value of any particular asset in any particular category (e.g. furniture, fixtures, electronic equipments, etc) exceeds two months’ basic pay or Rs one lakh, it said. 

Courtesy : http://www.hindustantimes.com

Earning more than Rs 50 lakh? Now declare your net worth


BENGALURU: If you earn more than Rs 50 lakh a year, the I-T Department wants you to declare the break-up of your net worth. In the new set of ITR forms launched on 31st evening, the CBDT has added a new schedule — schedule AL to all ITR forms (including ITR 1).

Under this new section, individuals will have to declare all their assets and liabilities, as on end of financial year 2015-16. The section applies to all individuals and HUFs earning more than Rs 50 lakh a year.

Under the section assets have been classified under two categories — moveable and immovable. One will have to declare any land or building (includes house property) under immovable assets. Movable assets list includes cash in hand (money in your savings account), vehicles (including yacht, boats and aircraft), jewellery, bullion and other valuable metals. Liabilities will include any outstanding loans you have.

"While further instructions on how to value assets are awaited, taxpayers will find it challenging to value their assets themselves, especially jewellery and vehicles. Salaried individuals do not usually maintain fair market value of jewellery owned or written down allowance (depreciation) of vehicles owned by them," says Archit Gupta, CEO and founder, ClearTax.in.

The taxman also wants to know the details of the businesses you earn from, in case you have more than one. A new section has been added to the ITR- 4S seeking code, nature and description of the three main businesses--activities or products that you earn from. This section earlier existed in only ITR-4 only, a much lengthier form compared to ITR-4S. Moreover, the new ITR-4S can now be filed by partnership firms too. All they have to declare is the salary and interest paid to the partners.

ITR-4S was earlier a succinct form, now with three additions -specifying nature of business, salary and interest paid to partners (applicable only to firms) and schedule AL ,it will need a lot more effort from those who preferred to file it," says Gupta.

In this year's Budget, the FM had increased the scope of ITR 4S in this year's budget by bringing professionals earning up to Rs 50 lakh a year under presumptive tax, wherein, they have to pay taxes at a pre-determined rate of 50 per cent of gross receipts. Earlier, under this process of tax-filing, apart from profit declaration no other details were required. The new forms will change this in case you have multiple businesses.

Discontinuation of physical pre-printed NSC and KVP certificates w.e.f. 01.04.2016

         It is decided that the currently existing system of physical pre-printed certificates for KVP and NSC shall stand discontinued w.e.f. 1.4.2016 and shall be replaced by ‘National Savings Certificate/Kisan Vikas Patra Certificate on electronic - mode (e-mode). Till the CBS system transits to that e-mode, banks and post offices may choose to issue a physical certificate recorded on a passbook.

The serial numbers based on the new pattern allotted to the banks and the Department of Posts (DoP) with respect to KVP and NSC were detailed in the said Finmin’s OM of even number dated 23rd March. It is intimated that while issuing the certificate from 01.04.2016, Banks and Post Offices may use notification having G.S.R. No. 353 (E) dated 29.3.2016 for Kisan Vikas Patra and notification having G.S. R. No. 354 (E) dated 29.3.2016 for National Savings Certificate. It is intimated that these notifications are available onegazette.nic.in


Friday, April 1, 2016

Meeting with the Implementation Cell of the Department of Post on 31.03.2016 on the background of different views of the Department on various dates on postal issues










AIPEU-GDS NFPE CIRCULAR

ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION – GDS

CHQ: 2151/1, New Patel Road, Dada Ghosh Bhawan, New Delhi-110 008

Preisdent: Bijoy Gopal Sur                                                           
website:aipeugdsnfpe.blogspot.in
General Secretary:P.Pandurangarao                                        
e-mail:aipeugdsnfpe@gmail.com
    Circular No.03                                                                        Date:30-03-2016

ELECT & SELECT:  AIPEU-GDS
We want change and only AIPEU-GDS can make change in the GDS system
AIPEU - GDS ADVANCEMENT & ACHIEVEMENTS
P.Pandurangarao
General Secretary
       AIPEU -GDS
Dear Comrades,

            This is the right time to put forth the introduction of our Union “AIPEU-GDS” for a clear understanding and total awareness of the many GDS comrades in the field units of all Circles. Undoubtedly, our union became so popular and well established in most of the divisions of all circles, still some misapprehensions prevail in many quarters to franchise their option in favour of AIPEU-GDS. At this instance, our CHQ come forward to enlighten the growth, development, expansion with some important achievements of the AIPEU-GDS, after its emergence and with unity under the banner of mighty Federation, NFPE, in brief.

            It was a breakthrough and a step forward for the Gramin Dak Sevaks cadre in April 2012 after  17 years mere existence of a separate GDS Union within  the provisions of New Recognition Rules for Service Associations under Check-off system and EDA (RA) Rules 1995. The recognized GDS Union miserably failed to settle any of the demands of GDS and continuously indulged in anti NFPE campaign and undemocratic activities. It is in this background a GDS organization born with postal Trade Union movement with the slogan of “Unity for struggle and struggle for unity”. We pledged for struggle along with NFPE for the emancipation of GDS. We adopted the democratic functioning & style of NFPE at all levels.

            Our union has started its fighting from the month of May 2012 itself by holding a CWC meeting in Hyderabad and conducted Dharna programmes from divisional level in the Month of June 2012 followed by Parliament March in July and December. We conducted strike on 12-12-2012 and 48 hours strike during February 2014 along with NFPE in which the main demand was grant of “Civil servant status to GDS” and all the benefits of departmental employees on pro rata basis. We have participated in many and many struggle programmes unitedly with NFPE, Postal JCA and Confederation of CG Employees besides various Trade Union programmes successfully. This had made possible only because of the trust, faith, confidence and strong belief of the GDS in the united struggles. This being still possible because of the intrusion of the concept of our union into the minds of GDS members and caused the expansion of our Union in all Circles and divisions in the country.

            Our Union did never discourage the GDS, keeping mum on many issues pertaining to the cadre in particular and common issues in general by taking them up in various fora to resolve favourably. Though unrecognized union our CHQ has utilized all channels to do negotiations with the department and participated discussions with the administration projected many issues of GDS effectively.

            Just with in the period of one year our Union conducted 1st All India Conference during March 2013 in Chennai with the participation of 16 Circles and more than 250 divisions with the attendance of about 1,000 GDS comrades. It has framed 32 point charter of demands of GDS and unanimously adopted. From the day onwards, our CHQ had committed to resolve the problems of GDS with the support of NFPE.       We successfully conducted our 2nd All India Conference in Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) during September 2015. About 1200 delegates and visitors from all 22 circles participated in the 2nd All India Conference.

Many issues of GDS were taken up with Directorate through Departmental meetings, frequent correspondence, formal/informal meetings besides Postal JCA meetings  by our CHQ.

            AIPEU-GDS had participated in almost all CWC meetings & All India Conferences of affiliated unions of NFPE, Confederation of CG Employees, NFPE study Camps, Organizational meetings of Unions in Circles and divisions. As an “Associate Member of NFPE” AIPEU-GDS participated in Federal Executive Meetings, Federal Secretariat Meetings, Postal JCA meetings and projected the GDS demands effectively. Along with NFPE and Postal JCA, AIPEU-GDS also served strike notice to the Govt  & Dept and participated in strike with large membership. Our GDS demands have been taken up at NJCM level also by the Railway & Defence and Confederation and discussed with the Govt. This was not happened in the past and no such opportunity to other GDS unions.

Commitment and activities of AIPEU-GDS:

            Out of 32 point charter of demands projected in 1st AIC, due to our sincere efforts and also the efforts of NFPE & Postal JCA we have advanced in their settlements. The following is the current position.

1.    For departmentalization of GDS – A case has been filed in the Supreme Court, High Court and also the Principal CAT by NFPE & AIPEU GDS (NFPE).
2.    For inclusion of GDS in 7th CPC – From our Branch level Union to National Council JCM, the demand is seriously put forth before the Govt and prepared for an indefinite strike also.
3.    GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules 2011 – Included as a prayer in the Supreme Court case to declare it as unconstitutional and invalid and the GDS be covered under the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 & CCS(CCA) Rules, 1965.
4.    Enhancement of bonus ceiling –With the fruitful efforts of Postal JCA and 12-12-2012 strike results and continuous struggle for 5 years, Rs.3500 bonus ceiling is restored to GDS.
5.    Welfare assistance to GDS in respect of Book awards & educational assistance etc.,
6.    GDS Mailmen cadre – restored and posts are being filled up.
7.    NREGS incentive – minimum condition of 20 transactions limit was removed.
8.    Stop combination of duties of GDSMD/GDSMC with that of BPM.
9.    Modifications in SDB Scheme to make feasible grant of monthly pension to GDS.
10.  Modifications in GDS Circle Welfare Fund Scheme.
11.  Regular Payment of RPLI incentives to GDS.
12.  Supply of adequate infrastructure to all BOs as one time measure to meet the public convenience.

            Through our letter correspondence& discussions in JCA , formal & informal meetings the following is the outcome from the department.

1.    Sub: Verification of SB withdrawals in BOs by Mail Over Seers & SDHs – reg. (dtd.26-09-2012)
(No.113-02/2001-SB dated 26-02-2013)
2.    Sub :- Enhancement of sanction of amount to GDS undergoing  training – Reg.(30-10-2012)
(No.1-54/2011-Trg.dated 16-05-2013)
3.    Sub:- Computation of revenue generation in BOs – Reg. (dtd.20-06-2013)
(No.40-17/2015-Plg. Dated 24-08-2015)
4.    Sub:-NREGS incentive – removal of minimum transactions condition:
(No.1-14/2009-RB- dated.03-07-2013)
5.    Sub:-Grant of revised TRCA slab to the new incumbents joined after 01-01-2006.
(No.5-1/07-WS-1 dated 16-07-2012)

Our CHQ has written on several issues despite the fact of non recognition and we have settled many issues. Similarly the following are the important items which we have taken and pending for settlement.

1.    Reduction of allowances to GDS BPMs arbitrarily at lower levels- No reduction under any circumstances.
2.    Revise cash handling norm of granting one point for Rs.4,000/-
3.    Giving protection of allowances Modification in reply for item No.4 - of PSSWB meeting -  Immediate death relief to the family /dependents of GDS etc –
4.    Stop open quota recruitment in MTS & Postman vacancies and to be filled by GDS only.
5.    Relaxation in percentage of marks for SC/ST candidates from GDS to appear for PA/SA examination-
6.    Information about sanction of Severance amount to GDS selected to departmental cadres -
7.    Monetary compensation to GDS staff brought on holiday duties -
8.    Protection of existing TRCA of Gramin Dak Sevaks – on Transfer
9.    Grant of higher amount of CMA to GDSMD/GDSMC as they are working in rural areas.
10.  Extraordinary delay of issue of instructions on the items of PSSWB meeting -
11.  GDS BPM TRCA based on 5 hours & 8 hours in place of various slabs on point system.
12.  Cash line limit has to be revised depending upon the mode of transactions in the BO.
13.  Revise the Memo of Authorized Balance of the BO depending upon the quantum of transactions.
14.  Revision of allowances to be taken up with a periodicity of 2 years with half-yearly / quarterly mode instead of the month where the past revision taken place.
15.  At least two years average (24 months) work load of the BO should be calculated instead of four quarterly months of the preceding year of periodical revision.
16.  All items of work needs to be taken into consideration for workload of the BO  as there is diversity of schemes being introduced in the BO varied from division to division or region to region and circle to circle.
MEMORANDUM TO HON’BLE MINISTER

A memorandum was prepared for the main and basic demand of Departmentalization of GDS and submitted to the Hon’ble Minister of Communications. We are demanding the departmentalization of the branch offices and the GDS which will be the only and ultimate salvation for the GDS.

MEMORANDUM TO SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION

A detailed memorandum on GDS issues was prepared and submitted to the Seventh Pay Commission. The memorandum is prepared in such a manner to deal the issues minutely leading to the departmentalization of GDS. Com M.Krishnan, Ex-S/G, NFPE & Secretary General, CCGEW and Com K.V.Sridharan Ex G/S, AIPEU GrC ., Com.R.N.Parashar, Secretary General, NFPE took much pain in drafting the memorandum.

The General Secretary, AIPEU-GDS attended personally before the Committee of 7th CPC along with Secretary General, NFPE and General Secretaries of affiliated Unions of NFPE on 23-04-2015 and submitted the Copy of Memorandum. The Chairman gave time to the General Secretary to explain about the GDS issues. This is the good opportunity to our GDS Union. No other GDS Union had got this opportunity to present evidence before the Central Pay Commission earlier.
           
Memorandum submitted to GDS Committee

A detailed memorandum has been submitted by AIPEU-GDS to the Secretary, GDS Committee on 18-03-2016 along with Secretary General, NFPE. Our NFPE also submitted a memorandum on GDS issues to the GDS Committee. Com. M. Krishnan, Secretary General, Confederation also submitted a Memorandum on behalf of Confederation of Central Govt Employees to the GDS Committee. The Copy of the Memorandum submitted by our Union is available on the home page of our website and any one can download it. Our Memorandum is the best and a scientific memorandum submitted to GDS Committee.

APPLICATION SUBMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ENSUING VERIFICATION PROCESS

On 18-03-2016 our Union has submitted application in the name of ALL INDIA POSTAL EMPLOYEES UNION – GRAMIN DAK SEVAKS (AIPEU-GDS) to participate in the ensuing verification process under EDA (RA) Rules 1995 for Recognition of Service Associations. Within a short while we have to complete the collection of declarations / authorizations from GDS members in all divisions of all Circles.


AIPEU GDS (NFPE) - LAUNCHED ITS WEBSITE, JOURNAL & OFFICE

Our union has launched its website >www.aipeugdsnfpe.blogspot.in< in April 2012 itself. Similarly, one e-mail ID has been created for CHQ to make regular contacts with all GDS comrades. The e-mail ID of CHQ is: >aipeugdsnfpe@gmail.com< We have published more than 2000 posts and the viewers of our website reached more than 20 lakhs upto now.

The P3 CHQ has provided accommodation in its office and provided adequate infrastructure and we are functioning our CHQ from the P3 CHQ office: Dada Ghosh Bhawan. 2151/1 New Patel Road , New Delhi-- 110008. Our CHQ records its sincere thanks to the P3 CHQ and its leaders.
Six issues of magazine “GDS Crusader” were released despite severe financial crisis and more than 600 comrades enrolled their subscription. We wish that in future, after getting recognition we would regulate and release the same regularly every month. Similarly all the circle and branches should evince efforts to enroll more subscribers for the journal.

With the help of NFPE, we have published two books viz., “GDS Crusader” and “GDS Refresher” containing all rulings related to GDS. New edition of “GDS Crusader” book is under process of publication.

CONCLUSION
Comrades!
                        While we analyze the activities during the period of 4 years, reviewed all the situation and organizational circumstances, we can proudly say that we have formed branches in all 22 circles and in about 90% divisions also. Many comrades are joining our union and we are strengthening further. We are expecting more than 1.50 lakh of GDS membership in favour of our AIPEU-GDS out of 2.53 lakh working strength in 22 circles. In the ensuing reverification of membership, we will become number one and confident to get recognition.

            In the absence of recognition, we are having some difficulties in resolving some issues even though the NFPE Federation and all the affiliated Unions of NFPE viz., P3,P4,R3,R4,Admin., Postal Accounts, SBCO, Civil Wing and Casual Employees Federation and the sister unions are rendering all the assistance in resolving all our issues at their levels. We express our sincere thanks to all the Unions and request to extend their help in future also.

            Our CHQ appeals all the members of GDS to give us an opportunity this time to prove our strength, capacity, capability, militancy, unity for the emancipation of Gramin Dak Sevaks for bright future and system secure.

With fraternal greetings,

(P.Pandurangarao)

General Secretary