HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2013

                       Before the golden sun sets,
                      old calender is destroyed,
                     And mobile networks get jammed,
                    We wish in new year every moment is enjoyed

3-fold fee hike likely in Kendriya Vidyalayas

If your child studies in a Kendriya Vidyalaya, be prepared for a steep hike in school fee. The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan's board of governors, which is meeting on Friday, is likely to clear a three-fold hike in fees.
The meeting of the board of governors, expected to be chaired by HRD minister M M Pallam Raju, may also finalize a new logo for the 1,090 KV schools across the country with almost 11 lakh students.
The annual fee charged from KV students is in the range of Rs 3,600-Rs 4,800. This is likely to be raised to about Rs 12,000 for a year. The monthly fee will go up from about Rs 300 a month to around Rs 1,250. The last fee hike took place in 2009.
Sources said the KV Sangathan spends about Rs 12,000 per child in providing free textbooks, uniform and other facilities. During 2011-12, the sangathan spent about Rs 392 crore while for the next academic session an additional Rs 100 crore is likely to be required to provide students with medical services, faculty, security, sports equipment, construction work for additional facilities and setting up of e-classrooms.
While KVs charge fee under different heads, sources said the hike could be effected under the Vidyalaya Vikas Nidhi and computer charges.
The assumption behind raising the fee is that the central government employees are entitled to reimbursement of tuition fee of their wards up to Rs 1,250 per month, sources said.
KVs were originally established to provide quality education for children of government employees. The uniform curriculum — they are all affiliated to CBSE — followed by these schools all over India ensures that the students do not face difficulties when their parents are transferred. Admission to KVs is now much sought after due to their improved standard of education.

Source:-The Times of India

Promotion and posting in Postal Service Group "B" cadre for the year 2012-13

Postal Directorate vide memo No. 9-23/2012-SPG dated 28.12.2012 has issued promotion and posting orders in PS Group " B " cadre for the vacancy year 2012-2013. Memo has already been sent to all Circle Heads by email. Total 210 IP Line officials have been appointed on regular basis in PS Group "B" cadre.

Last OC candidate : 324 K. Venkateshwara Rao,AP (1989) 12.02.1962 

Last SC candidate : 471 Gangi Das,Uttarakhand (1990) 07.08.1962

Last ST candidate : 503 M. L. Rawat, UP (1990) 08.09.1959

Remarks :- Above serial no. has been given as per zone of consideration. 

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS, INDIA

Department of Posts

Contributing to the financial inclusion of the rural people:

(A)       Wage disbursal under Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Extensive rural postal network of the country is actively engaged in disbursal of wages of MGNREGA with high levels of efficiency. During the year 2012-13 the Post Offices disbursed about Rs 9,133 crore by October, 2012 through about 5.53 crore savings accounts of MGNREGA workers standing in the Post Offices. Thus, the Department of Posts significantly contributed towards the success of this unique social security arrangement of unprecedented scale.

(B)       Financial Inclusion of Below Poverty Line (BPL Household: Department of Posts leveraged its network and outreach to financially include BPL households by targeting them for opening their savings accounts in the Post Offices and thus providing them with access to savings services. During the Year 2012-13 more than 1.53 crore households were financially included through this initiative by October, 2012.

            Introduction of e-enabled services

(A) 24,969 Departmental post offices have been computerized as on date

(B) India Post has introduced Remotely Managed Franking System in place of existing electronic Franking Machines. Around 5681 RMFS machines have been licensed and activated as on date.

(C) e-Post office Portal was commissioned during 2011. During the current year PLI premia payment has also been added apart from sale of philatelic material.

            International Remittance services

            Recognizing the spurt in the volumes of international remittances into India in the recent years and the notable contribution of remittance inflows to the country’s economy, the Department of Posts has taken a project to revamp its international money order services. Currently, DoP provides electronic money remittance services on two platforms, viz. the IFS (developed by the Universal Postal Union) and Eurogiro. The following action has been completed in this regard:

1. Setting up an International Remittances Unit (IRU) at CEPT, Mysore.
2. Starting the inward international money order transactions from France on 22 November, 2012.

Expansion of Clientele Base of Postal Life Insurance(PLI)

In order to provide insurance coverage to persons of various organizations which were earlier out of purview of PLI schemes and to scale up business revenues employees of following organizations have also been brought under PLI scheme w.e.f. 18.10.2012:

(i)            Joint ventures having Govt/PSU stake

(ii)          Credit Co-operative Societies registered under Co-operative Societies Act

(iii)         Scheduled Commercial Banks

(iv)         Deemed Universities and Educational Institutions accredited by recognized bodies i.e. AICTE, MCI, NAAC etc.

“Sampoorna Jeevan Bima Gram” and “Sampoona Bima Sangathan”

            For better insurance coverage of eligible population, a targeted approach to cover villagers under RPLI and organizations under PLI has been started from November 2012 as under:-

(i)            to identify and cover minimum 75% of employees of 20 organizations up to 31.10.2012 and 30 organisations/units up to 31.10.2012 as “Sampoorna Jeevan Bima Sangthan/Unit” under Postal Life Insurance;

(ii)          To identify and cover 1000 villages up to 31.10.2012 and 2000 villages up to 31.03.2013, as “Sampoorna Jeevan Bima Gram” wherein at least one member of each house hold is to be enrolled under Rural Postal Life Insurance.

Financial Services

            The Department successfully completed the vendor selection for its Financial System Integration project. The vendor selected was M/s Infosys who will be involved with the Core Banking solution and setting up of ATMs for the Department. The project has started on 28^th September 2012.

            UIDAI Aadhar letters:

Department of Posts is working as Register with UIDAI for providing Aadhar enrolments through Post Offices for phase-II operations also. A total of 80,84, 181 successful enrolments have been completed.

 ePost:

New and enhanced version of ePost software has been launched on 12^th December 2012. The enhanced version will have facility of sending multilingual messages apart from sending PDF files as attachment. During the year 2012 (upto Nov 2012), 13.64 lakh messages have been sent and Rs 104.50 lakhs earned as revenue.

            Sale of Gold Coins:

Under retail post, India Post sells 24 carat gold coins of the denomination of 0.5 g, 1g, 5g, 8g, 10g, 20g and 50g through selected Post Offices. During the year 2012 (upto Nov 2012), 708 kg of gold coins were sold  and Rs 10.99 crores earned as revenue.

            Project Management Unit

            The Government has approved the IT Modernization Project of the Department of Posts for computerization of all the non-computerized post offices, Mail Offices, Administrative and other offices, establishment of required IT infrastructure, development of required software applications. IT modernization Project – India Post will enable Department to enhance and provide value additions to Mail, Savings Bank and Insurance, customer service while providing a platform to launch new initiatives and provide new rural services.

Money remittance through Mobile phone service:

            An agreement has been signed with BSNL for providing money remittance through mobile phones. This is joint endeavor of Department of Posts & BSNL. BSNL has been provided with the requirements of DOP for development of the software. This service specially tailored for those who have a need to remit money regularly up to a sum of Rs 10,000. Under the Scheme, a remitter can go to any Post Office in the Circle enabled for the Mobile Money Transfer Service and remit an amount from Rs 1000/- to Rs 10,000/- to be paid to another mobile subscriber at the designated Post Office. The Slabs for money transfer is as follows:

Slabs	Charges of Remittance
Rs 1000 to 1500	Rs 40
Rs 1501 to 5000	Rs 70
Rs 5001 to 10,000	Rs 100

            The service initially has been launched on 15^th November 2012 in four Circles viz. Kerala, Bihar, Delhi and Punjab and this service is provided in 18 selected Post Offices in each Circle.

Source:-PIB

RETIREMENT ON SUPERANNUATION IN DECEMBER-2012

 Shri S. P. Singh, Asstt. Director ( Admin), GPO, New Delhi-110001 is retiring from service on superannuation on 31.12.2012 A/N. His contact No. is 9013626114.
IP/ASP Association, Delhi Postal Circle Branch wishes him happy, healthy and peaceful retired life.

'NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE' FOR PASSPORT

  'NOC' for Passport...

At present the employees are working in Central Government, passport would be issued on prior police verification of citizenship and character. If the employee submits a declaration duly acknowledged by his Head of Department to the effect that he has informed his employer of his intention to apply for a passport. In case, proper ‘No Objection Certificate’ is submitted, then passport will be issued without Police Verification.

DPC for PS Group " B" ....updates

It is confirmed from Postal Directorate that, today DPC for promotion to the PS Group " B" cadre is convened. 210 officers are promoted and Circle allotment work is in progress. List is likely to be released tomorrow.


Source : CHQ Blog

Revised Timings of CGHS Wellness Centres : 9 AM to 4 PM

                                  No: S.11030/55/2012-CGHS(P) 

Government of India
Ministry of Health &Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare

Maulana Azad Road, Nirman Bhawan 
New Delhi 110 108 dated the 20th December, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: New Timings for CGHS Wellness Centres

The undersigned is directed to state that with a view to improve the functioning of CGHS and ensure optimum utilization of available manpower resources, it has been decided to revise the timings of CGHS Wellness Centres from the present timings of 7.30 AM to 1.30 PM to the new timings of 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM.

2. The CGHS Wellness Centres in New Delhi which are currently functional for 24 hours, will continue to function as usual in shifts.

3. The diagnostic laboratories and yoga centres functioning in the CGHS Wellness Centres will open at 8.00 AM and close at 3.00 PM.

4. The Registration counters in CGHS Wellness Centres will start registration at 9.00 AM and close at 3.45 PM.

5. A lunch break of 30 Minutes will be allowed to all officers and staff of cons Wellness Centre. The CMO in charge will manage the operations of the Wellness Centre in such a manner by allowing flexible timings for lunch to the officers and staff that the operations of the CGHS Wellness Centre is not brought to halt at any time.

6. The new timings will be implemented in the CGHS Wellness Centres in New Delhi /NCR. Orders for its implementation in other places will follow.

7 The new timings for CGHS Wellness Centres will be effective from 1st January, 2013.

8. This issues with the approval of Minister of Health and Family Welfare.

sd/- 
(V.P.Singh)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

Source: http://msotransparent.nic.in/cghsnew/index.asp

RESERVATION REGISTERS AND ROSTER REGISTERS

5.1  In case of cadres having more than 13 posts, all appointing authorities should maintain reservation registers in the format given in  Annexure-I. 

5.2  Reservation roster registers will be maintained in format given in the Annexure-II for cadres having less than 14 posts.

5.3  Following principles shall be followed for preparation and maintenance of reservation registers and reservation roster registers:

(a) Separate registers/ roster registers shall be maintained for appointments made by direct recruitment and promotion. In case of promotion, separate registers / roster registers shall be maintained for each mode of promotion viz. limited competitive examination, selection, non-selection, etc.
(b) A common register / roster register shall be maintained for permanent appointments and temporary appointments likely to become permanent or to continue indefinitely.
(c) A separate register / roster register shall be maintained for purely temporary appointments of 45 days or more but which have no chance whatever of becoming permanent or continuing indefinitely.
(d) Immediately after an appointment is made, the particulars of the person appointed shall be entered in the register / roster register in the appropriate columns and the entry signed by the appointing authority or by an officer authorized to do so.
(e) No gap shall be left in completing the register / roster register.
(f) The register / roster register shall be maintained in the form of a running account year after year. For example if recruitment in a year stops at point 6, recruitment in the following year shall begin from point 7.
(g) If reservation register becomes unwieldy or difficult to manage, a fresh register may be started by applying the method of initial preparation of registers.
(h) In case of cadres where reservation is given by rotation, fresh cycle of roster shall be started after completion of all the points in the roster.
(i)  Since reservation does not apply to deputation/absorption, where the recruitment rules prescribe a percentage of posts to be filled by these methods, such posts shall be excluded for determining reservations.
(j)  After every recruitment year, an account shall be noted in the reservation register indicating representation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes/Other Backward Classes and details of backlog reserved vacancies etc.

Note : Reservation registers / roster registers are only an aid to ensure that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes get quota reserved for them. These registers/roster registers do not determine seniority.

Grouping of Posts
5.4  In the case of posts filled by direct recruitment, small cadres may be grouped with posts in the same group for the purpose of reservation orders taking into account the status, salary and qualifications prescribed for the posts in question.

5.5  The posts of Sweepers should not be grouped for the purpose of reservation, with other categories of Group D posts, even though the number of posts of Sweepers may not be large in an office /establishment.

5.6  Proposals for grouping of posts should be referred to the Department of Personnel & Training for prior approval together with full particulars of the posts proposed to be grouped together in the following respect:

(i) Designation and number of each post.
(ii) Group to which the posts belong i.e. Group A, Group B, Group C or Group D.
(iii) Scale of pay of each post.
(iii)  Method of recruitment for each post as provided in the recruitment rules.
(iv) Minimum qualifications prescribed for direct recruitment to each post.

5.7  While reservations would be made according to the groups as provided above, the total reservation in any of the posts/services so grouped should not exceed 50 per cent of the vacancies to be filled in it i.e. in the particular post/service, in a recruitment year. The total reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs in any post or service should also not exceed 50 percent of the total number of posts in the particular post/service.

Initial Preparation of Reservation Register / Roster

5.8  In order to prepare the reservation register initially, names of all the candidates holding the post as on the date of starting the reservation register may be entered in the register starting with the earliest appointee who was in the cadre as on the date of start of register. If an appointee in the cadre is a Scheduled Caste candidate, SC may be entered in column 4 of the register against his name. If that candidate was appointed by reservation, SC may be written in column 5 also but if he was appointed on his own merit, UR will be written in column 5. If the next appointee is a general category candidate, general shall be written in column 4 against his name and UR in column 5, and so on till all the appointments are adjusted. After making entries as indicated above, details about the number of SC, ST and OBC candidates appointed by reservation, backlog reserved vacancies, if any, may be indicated in 'Remarks' column.

5.9  After initial preparation of the register, the names of persons appointed thereafter may be added by filling up the columns as stated above.

5.10 Roster registers shall be maintained for cadres with 2 to 13 posts. For preparing roster, names of all the incumbents in the cadre as on 2.7.1997 may be entered in the register starting from the earliest appointee. If an appointee in the cadre is a Scheduled Caste candidate, SC may be entered in column 5 of the register against his name. If that candidate was appointed by reservation, SC may be written in column 6 also but if he was appointed on his own merit, UR will be written in column 6. If the next appointee is a general category candidate, general shall be written in column 5 against his name and UR in column 6, and so on till all appointments are adjusted. In doing so, a general category candidate may appear on a reserved point and an SC/ST/OBC candidate may appear against an unreserved point. If name of an SC/ST/OBC candidate appointed by reservation is entered against a general point, entries may be made in remarks column against that point and also against nearest point reserved for SCs/STs/OBCs, as the case may be, to the effect that such a candidate is to be treated to have been adjusted against the relevant reserved point. Likewise, entries will be made in remarks column for candidates who are appointed as general category candidates but whose names appear against reserved points. Similar adjustments will be made in respect of SC candidates appearing against a point reserved for STs or OBCs and so on. After all the 14 points are consumed, fresh cycle of the roster may be started. As many roster points may be treated to have been consumed on the date of start of the roster register as many employees occupy the roster points as on the date of start of the register. From that point onward, vacancies may be filled as per roster points subject to adjustment of reserved category candidates appointed by reservation and general category candidates as explained above.

SC/ST/OBC Candidates Appointed on Merit

5.11 SC, ST and OBC candidates in case of direct recruitment and SC and ST candidates in case of promotion, appointed on their own merit and not owing to reservation should not be shown against reserved quota. They will be adjusted against unreserved quota.

5.12 If an unreserved vacancy arises in a cadre and there is any SC/ST candidate within the normal zone of consideration in the feeder grade, such SC/ST candidate cannot be denied promotion on the plea that the post is not reserved. Such a candidate will be considered for promotion alongwith other candidates treating him as if he belongs to general category. In case he is selected, he will be appointed to the post and will be adjusted against the unreserved point.

5.13 Only such SC/ST/OBC candidates who are selected on the same standard as applied to general candidates shall be treated as own merit candidates. If any SC/ST/OBC candidate is selected by getting any relaxation in experience qualification, number of permitted chances in written examination, zone of consideration etc., he/she shall be counted against reserved vacancies. Such a candidate cannot be considered for appointment against an unreserved vacancy.

5.14 SC/ST candidates appointed on their own merit (by direct recruitment or promotion) and adjusted against unreserved points will retain their status of SC/ST and will be eligible to get benefit of reservation in future/further promotions, if any.

5.15 50% limit on reservation will be computed by excluding such reserved category candidates who are appointed/ promoted on their own merit.
Adjustment of Compassionate Appointees

5.16 A person selected for appointment on compassionate grounds should be adjusted in the reservation register/ reservation roster register against the appropriate category viz. SC/ST/OBC/UR category depending upon the category to which he belongs. For example, if he belongs to SC, he shall be adjusted against a vacancy reserved for SCs. Similarly if he is an ST or OBC candidate, he shall be adjusted against vacancy reserved for STs or OBCs, as the case may be. An unreserved category candidate shall be adjusted against an unreserved vacancy.

Annexure-I to Chapter – 5

RESERVATION REGISTER
1. Name of the post:
2. Method of Recruitment: DR/Promotion by selection/Promotion by non-selection /Promotion by Limited Departmental Examination.
3. Number of posts in the cadre (cadre strength):
4. Percentage of Reservation prescribed : SCs_________  ,  STs___________  , OBCs__________

SI. No.	Name	Date of appointment	Whether belongs to SC/ST/ OBC/ General	Filled as UR or as reserved for SC/ ST OBC	Signature of appointing authority or other authorised officer	Remarks
1	2	3	4	5	6	7

Annexure-II to Chapter – 5

RESERVATION ROSTER REGISTER
1. Name of the post:
2. Method of Recruitment: DR/Promotion by selection/Promotion by non-selection/Promotion by Limited Departmental Examination.
3. Number of posts in the cadre:
4. Percentage of Reservation prescribed: SCs______ , STs_______ , OBCs__________

Cycle No./ point No.	UR or reserved for SCs/ STs / OBCs	Name	Date of appointment	Whether SC/ST /0BC/ General	Filled as UR or as reserved for SCs/ STs /OBCs	Signature of appointing authority or other authorised officer.	Remarks
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

Set up 7th Pay Commission – Basic pay should be increased by at least 50% in the next pay commission... - AIRF

‘Set up VIIth Pay Commission’

VISAKHAPATNAM: The central government should set up the seventh pay commission and pump in Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years to revive the ailing railways. This was among the 38 demands put forth by the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF). AIRF also demanded that over 2.5 lakh posts under various categories in Indian Railways be filled up.

Addressing a conference here on Tuesday, ahead of the 88th annual general conference of AIRF, general secretary Shiva Gopal Mishra said the basic pay should be increased by at least 50% in the next pay commission. He slammed the Union finance ministry for delaying the funds being granted to the railways and said several demands were accepted by the railway board, but have been kept pending by the finance ministry. Mishra warned that if the government fails to adhere to the demands of the railway men, then they would resort to a strike.

East Coast Railway Shramik Union general secretary Ch Gandhi said AIRF wanted sanction of additional posts commensurate with increase in number of trains and workload, removal of anomalies of sixth central pay commission, a stop to outsourcing of perennial nature jobs, limiting of duty hours to a maximum of seven hours a day and increase in rate of special duty allowance by 25 %.

Source : www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

LEAVE TRAVEL CONCESSION FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Leave Travel Concession is one of the topics in which Central Government Employees are mainly interested.  Though this topic is not complex as such, many questions and doubts would arise regarding the admissibility of LTC in many practical situations.  Of Course a written law cannot cover all the situations.  So, Government is issuing clarifications on LTC from time to time.  Covering the original orders and those subsequently issued clarifications by DOPT, some time back we had   published a compilation of frequently asked questions relating to Leave Travel Concession (LTC) applicable to Central Government Employees.

Now DOPT has come up with a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions on LTC (Leave Travel Concession) same mentioned below.

Leave Travel Concession – FAQ – Part-2

Question: 1  How are the claims of LTC be adjusted in case of delayed submission?

Answer:        Where advance has been drawn, the claim for reimbursement shall be submitted within one month of the completion of the return journey.

Where no advance has been drawn, the expenditure incurred shall be submitted within three months of the completion of the return journey.

Administrative Ministry / Department concerned can admit the claims in relaxation of the provisions subject to the following time limits without reference to DOPT:

(a)       Where no advance is taken, LTC bill submitted within a period not exceeding six months; and

(b)       Where advance has been drawn, claim for reimbursement submitted within a period of three months after the completion of return journey (provided the Govt. servant refunds the entire advance within 45 days after completion of the return journey. Rule 14 of CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988 read with O.M.No.31011/5/2007-Estt.A dated 27.09.2012.

Question : 2 Can a Government. Servant visit NER or J&K on more than one occasion on conversion of Home town under the relaxation allowed for LTC visits to NER / J&K

Answer:        Government Servant who has availed the benefit of Home Town conversion to NER / J&K i one block (say 2006-09) can again visit NER / J&K in the new / next block (say 2010-2013) subject to availability of LTC in a particular block so long as the relaxation is in force.

1. O.M No.31011/4/2007-Estt.(A) dated 02.05.2008

2. O.M No.31011/4/2007-Estt.(A) dated 23.04.2010

3. O.M No. 31011/2/2003-Estt.(A) dated 18.06.2010

Question: 3  Can a Government Employee avail of air travel to NER / J&Kin case of All India LTC if his hometown and the Head Quarters are at the same place?

Answer:        Both NER and J&K scheme of LTC allow relaxation for air travel on All India LTC to all categories of employees to the extent specified in the DOP&T’s O.M.No 310311/4/2007-Estt.(A) dated 02.05.2008 and DOP&T’s O.M 31011/2/2003-Estt.(A) dated 18.06.2010 even if the Hometown and the Headquarters are same.

Question 4:  Whether Government Servant who has already availed one Home Town LTC in the current block can avail LTC to visit NER?

Answer:        Yes, he can avail it against All India LTC.

Question 5:  Can a Government Servant avail the benefit of visiting NER /J&K twice in a particular block of 4 years?

Answer:        Yes, a Government Servant can visit NER / J&K by conversion of his home town and also by availing LTC subject to validity period of the Scheme and fulfilling of other conditions

Question 6.   Can a fresh recruit avail the benefit of Home Town conversion to NER / J&K against one of the three occasions of Home Town available to him in each block.

Answer:        Any fresh Government Servant can also avail the benefit of Home Town conversion NER ? J&K against one of the three occasions of Home Town available to him in each block.

Question 7.   Can fresh recruit avail of conversion of home town to visit NER / J&K under the relaxation allowed for visiting NER / J&K?

Answer:        Any Government employee can avail of the relaxation for visiting NER / J&K and convert one home town LTC for such visit in a block of 4 years as long as the relaxations continue.

1. O.M.No. 31011/4/2007-Estt.(A) dated 02.05.2008

2. O.M.No. 31011/2/2003-Estt.(A) dated 18.06.2010

Question 8.   Can a fresh recruit Government servant avail of All India LTC anytime during the 4 year block?

Answer:        It can be availed only in the 4th occasion of the block and not at random.

Question 9.   Whether carry over of LTC is allowed to fresh recruits?

Answer:        Carryover of LTC is not allowed to fresh recruits as they are eligible for every year LTC for the first 8 years of service.

Question 10. Who is a fresh recruit entitled for LTC every year?

Answer:        A person who has joined service for the first time is treated as a fresh recruit for the first eight years.   O.M.No. 31011/4/2008-Estt.(A) dated 23.09.2008

Question 11.How the LTC entitlements of fresh recruits are regulated in the first eight years?

Answer:        On completion of one year, the fresh recruit can be allowed 3 Hme Town LTC and 1 All India LTC in each block of Four Years in the first 8 years.

O.M.No. 31011/4/2008-Estt.(A) dated 23.09.2008

Question 12.            Whether Dependent parents of fresh recruits can avail LTC for the journey form Hometown to Headquarters and back?

Answer:        No, the dependent parents of fresh recruits can not avail LTC for the journey from Hometown to Headquarters and back.

Question 13.            Whether claims for reimbursement can be allowed for road journeys by bus / taxi or other vehicle operated by private operators?

Answer:        LTC Rules do not permit reimbursement for journey by a private car(owned/borrowed/hired) or a bus/van or other vehicle owned by private operators. LTC facility shall be admissible only in respect of journeys performed in vehicles operated by Govt. or any Corporation in the public sector run by the Central or State Govt. or a local body. Rule 12(2) of CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988 read with

DOPT’s O.M.No. 31011/4/2008-Estt.A dated 23.09.2008

Question 14.            Whether air fare of children whose full fare is charged by airlines is reimbursed?

Answer:        If full fare has been charged by the airlines and paid by the Government servant, the same will be reimbursed.

Question 15.            Can a Government servant use the service of travel agents for LTC purpose?

Answer:        Yes. but it should be limited to M/s Balmer Lawrie and Company and M/s Ashok Travels and tours.

Question 16.            What is the definition of family for LTC?

Answer:        For LTC purpose family consists of

(i) Spouse of the Government Servant and two surviving unmarried children or Step children.

(ii) Married daughters, who have been divorced, abandoned or separated from their husbands and widowed daughters residing with wholly dependent on the Govt. Servant.

(iii) Parents and / or step parents residing with and wholly dependent on the Govt. Servant.

(iv) Unmarried minor brothers as well as unmarried, divorced, abandoned separated from their husbands and widowed sisters residing with and wholly dependent on the Government Servant provided their parents are either not alive and are themselves wholly dependent on the Government Servant.

Rule 4 of CCS(LTC) Rules, 1988 read with

O.M.No: 31011/4/2008 – Estt.(A) dated 23.09.2008

Question 17.            What are the dependency criteria?

Answer:        A member of family whose income from all sources, including pension, temporary increase in pension does not exeed Rs.3500 from 01.09.2008 and Dearness relief thereon is deemed to be wholly dependent on the Government Servant.

Question 18.            Can parents / children residing at other places avail LTC to visit the Government Servant at Headquarters and go back?

Answer:        No, reimbursement of LTC claims being restricted to the entitlement for journey between Headquarters and place of visit, the amount reimbursable in such cases is Nil

DPC for the promotion to PS Gr. B cadre...updates.

DPC for the promotion to PS Group "B" cadre is now said to be convened on 27th December, 2012.  


Source : CHQ Blog

स्‍पीड पोस्‍ट की डि‍लीवरी

संचार और सूचना प्रौद्योगि‍की राज्‍य मंत्री डॉ. (श्रीमती) किल्‍ली क्रुपारानी ने राज्‍य सभा में एक प्रश्‍न के लि‍खि‍त उत्‍तर में ‍बताया कि‍ बुकिंग के पश्‍चात दो दि‍नों में स्‍पीड पोस्‍ट वस्‍तुओं के वि‍तरण संबंधी मानदंड केवल ‘स्‍थानीय वस्‍तुओं’ (नगरपालि‍का क्षेत्र को कवर करते हुए) और महानगरों (दि‍ल्‍ली, मुंबई, कोलकाता, चेन्‍नई, बेंगलूर और हैदराबाद) के बीच वि‍तरण होने वाली स्‍पीड पोस्‍ट वस्‍तुओं के मामले में ही लागू होते हैं। शेष भारत के लि‍ए मानदंड 4-6 दि‍न हैं। वि‍तरण के संबंध में उपलब्‍ध सूचना के अनुसार, अक्‍टूबर, 2012 में देशभर में 68 प्रति‍शत स्‍पीड पोस्‍ट वस्‍तुएं बुकिंग के दो दि‍नों के अंदर ही वि‍तरि‍त कर दी गई थीं।

Exploitation of passengers by airlines

Exploitation of passengers by airlines

The statement was given in the Rajya Sabha in reply to starred question by the Minister of Civil Aviation Shri.Ajit Singh on 4.12.2012 regarding exploitation of passengers by Airlines.

The airfares are not regulated by the Government and the airlines follow dynamic airfare policy.

They offer different fare buckets for each flight. The fare-buckets vary from flight to flight. The airfares are dynamic and they increase with the increase in demand for seats. From September, 2012 the scheduled domestic airlines have introduced a lowest fare bucket for advance purchase. 

Scheduled domestic airlines have been asked to display established tariff route-wise and fare category-wise on monthly basis and also to notify noticeable changes to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) within 24 hrs. of affecting such a change. The intention behind the above directions is to keep the passengers informed of pricing pattern of airlines.

Further, DGCA also monitors tariff on specific sectors on regular basis.

New Format Cheques will be valid from 1.1.2013

New Format Cheques CTS-2010 Standards will be implemented from 1st January, 2013

CTS- 2010 Standards implementation : Standardisation and Enhancement of Security Features in Cheque Forms, the introduction and implementation of additional security features on cheque forms will commence from 1.1.2013, this Guidance Note will be called CTS-2010.

Important things on new cheque leaf as follows...

A) Water Mark (to be incorporated at the paper manufacturing stage)

B) Void Pantograph ( at printing stage)

C)Ultra-violet logo of Bank(at printing stage)

D) Standardized field placements of a cheque

E) Cheque printing colours and background.

F) Microlettering.

G) New Rupee Symbol at CAR (Courtesy Amount Recognition) amount in figure field.

H) Printer Name along with CTS – 2010

What would be benefit of cheque truncation to customers of banks?

Before we answer this question, we have to understand the present system of cheque clearance. The cheques presented by customers, today, are sent to the clearing house at the drawee centres by the beneficiaries' bank. The cheques at the bigger cities, in view of the large volume of paper instruments, are subjected encoding and then to mechanical sorting and thereafter reach the drawee branches. 

As per the existing banking practice, these instruments received at the counters of the drawee branches are paid or returned by them. The returned instruments are passed on to the presenting customers through the process of a return clearing. Only after the return clearing process gets over, banks release the credit to the customers. The beneficiaries' account gets credited on the same day on which the drawees' account gets debited; however, the beneficiary is permitted to use the proceeds only after the return clearing process. 

With the introduction of the imaging and truncation, the physical movement of instruments would be stopped and the electronic movement of images of cheques would speed up the process of settlements and ultimately alter the clearing cycles. The clearing cycle could be shortened and it would be possible for customers to realize the proceeds of cheques early. Thus cheque truncation would reduce effectively the time of float, i.e. time from the point of issue of cheque to the point of time the actual debit takes place. In case such clearing is introduced across the cities, it would ensure the realisation of inter-city instruments faster thus ensuring early availability of funds to beneficiaries.

Thus the benefits could be summarized as:

a) Faster clearing cycle;

b) Better reconciliation/verification process

c) Better Customer Service ñ Enhanced Customer Window

d) T+0 for Local Clearing and T + 1 for inter-city clearing.

e) Elimination of Float - Incentive to shift to Credit Push payments.

f) The jurisdiction of Clearing House can be extended to the entire country - No Geographical Dependence

g) Operational Efficiency will benefit the bottom lines of banks - Local Clearing activity is a high cost no revenue activity.

h) Minimises Transaction Costs.

i) Reduces operational risk by securing the transmission route.

FAQ on Policy of Reservation to SCs STs and OBCs…DOPT orders

FAQ on Policy of Reservation to SCs STs and OBCs…DOPT orders

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) on the Policy of Reservation to SCs STs and OBCs :

Q.1 : What is the Government on reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs?

And; Reservation to the SCs.  STs  and OBCs in case of direct recruitment on all India basis by open competition is given at the rate of 15%,  7.5% and 27% respectively. In case of direct recruitment on all India basis otherwise than by open competition, reservation for SCs. STs and OBCs is 16.66%, 7.5% and 25.84% respectively. In case of direct recruitment to Group C and D posts which normally attract candidates from a locality or a region, percentage of reservation for SCs/STs is generally fixed in proportion to the population of SCs and STs in the respective States/UTs. For OBCs it is fixed keeping in view the proportion of their population in the concerned State/UT and the fact that total reservation for SCs/STs/OBCs remains within the limit of 50% and reservation for OBCs remains within the limit of 27%.

Reservation in promotion by non-selection method is available to SCs and the STs in all groups of services viz. A, B, C and D at the rate of 15% and 7.5% respectively. In case of promotion by selection method reservation is available upto the lowest rung of Group ‘A’ at the same rates.In promotion by selection to posts within Group ‘A’ which carry an ultimate salary of Rs. 18,300/- or less (in pre-revised scale), there is no reservation, but the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe officers who are senior enough in the zone of consideration for promotion so as to be within the number of vacancies for which the select list is to be drawn up, would be included in that list provided they are not considered unfit for promotion.

Q.2 What are the key provisions of Reservation Policy?

Ans: Following are the key provisions of Policy of Reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs:

(i) SCs/ STs get reservation in all groups of posts under the Government in case of direct recruitment and in case of promotions made by non-selection method. In case of promotions made by selection, reservation is available to them when promotions are made in Group B, C, D posts and from Group B to the lowest rung in Group ‘A’ posts.

(ii) SC/ST/OBC candidates appointed by direct recruitment and SC/ST candidates also promoted on their own merit are adjusted against unreserved posts.

(iii) In promotion by selection to posts within Group ‘A’ which carry an ultimate salary of Rs. 18,300/- or less (pre-revised), there is no reservation, but the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe officers who are senior enough in the zone of consideration for promotion so as to be within the number of vacancies for which the select list is to be drawn up, would be included in that list provided they are not considered unfit for promotion.

(iv) There is a general ban on dereservation of posts in case of direct recruitment.

(v) In case of direct recruitment various relaxations, like relaxations in age limit by 5 yerar; exemption from payment of examination/application fees; relaxation in qualification of experience at the discretion of UPSC/competent authority; relaxation in standard of suitability, etc. are available to members of SCs and STs.

(vi) In case of direct recruitment, OBCs get relaxation of 3 years in upper age limit, relaxation in standards of suitability, etc.

(vii) In case of promotion, zone of consideration is extended upto five times the number of vacancies in case suitable candidates are not available within normal zone of consideration; minimum qualifying marks/ standards of evaluation are relaxable; upper age limit is relaxable by five years where upper age limit for promotion is prescribed not more than 50 years.

(viii) There is a provision of appointment of liaison officers in all Ministries/ Departments to ensure proper implementation of reservation policy.

Q. 3:  What are the relaxations available to SCs/STs?

Ans:The relaxations that are available for the SCa and STs in direct recruitment are as follows:- 

a) Relaxation in the upper age limit by five years; 

b) Exemption from payment of examination / application fees; 

c) Where interview is a part of the recruitment process, SC / ST candidates should be interviewed separately; 

d) Qualification regarding experience can be relaxed in respect of SC / ST candidates at the discretion of UPSC / Competent Authority; 

e) Standards of suitability can be relaxed etc. 

The relaxations that are available for the SCs / STs in promotions are as follows:- 

a) The zone of consideration is extended to five times the number of vacancies in case suitable SC / ST candidates are not available within the normal zone of consideration; 

b) Minimum qualifying marks / standards of evaluation are relaxable; 

c) Upper age limit relaxable by five years where upper age limit for promotion is prescribed not exceeding fifty years. etc.

Q.4.  What are the relaxations available to OBCs?

Ans: Relaxations available to OBCs in direct recruitment are as follows: 

(i) Relaxation in the upper age limit by 3 years. 

(ii) Qualification regarding experience can be relaxed at the discretion of Competent Authority. 

(iii) Standards of suitability can be relaxed, etc.

Q.5. Who is an own merit candidate?

Ans: A candidate belonging to SC/ST/OBC who is selected on the same standard as applied to general category candidates and who appears in the general merit list is treated as own merit candidate. Such candidate is adjusted against unreserved point of the reservation roster. Department of Personnel and Training O.M. No.36011/1/98-Estt.(Res.) dated 1-7-1998 clarifies that only such SC/ST/OBC candidates who are selected on the same standard as applied to general candidates shall not be adjusted against reserved vacancies. In other words, when a relaxed standard is applied in selecting an SC/ST/OBC candidate, for example in the age limit, experience qualification, permitted number of chances in written examination, extended zone of consideration larger than what is provided for general category candidates, etc., the SC/ST/OBC candidates are to be counted against reserved vacancies. Such candidates would be deemed to be unavailable for consideration against unreserved vacancies.

Q.6. What is the difference between post based reservation and vacancy based reservation?

Ans: Reservation to SCs. STs and OBCs prior to 2.07.1997 was implemented through vacancy based rosters in which case calculation of reserved vacancies depended on the total number of vacancies to be filled. The Supreme Court in the case of R.K. Sabharwal held that reservation in a cadre should be calculated on the basis of total number of posts in the cadre and not the vacancies. It means that  if reservation for SCs is 15% and cadre strength in a grade is 100, 15 posts will be reserved for SCs i.e. at any point of time 15 posts in this cadre should be held by SCs appointed by reservation. Whenever their representation comes down, it would be completed.

Q.7: What is a Backlog vacancy and why are so many backlog vacancies in services?

Ans: Backlog Revered Vacancies of a category are those vacancies which were earmarked reserved for that category in and earlier recruitment year but remained unfilled in the previous recruitment attempt on account of non-availability of suitable candidates belonging to that category and are still lying unfilled. 

As per instructions issued by the DoP&T, if sufficient number of suitable SCs, STs and OBC candidates do not become available to fill up the vacancies reserved for them in the first attempt of recruitment, a second attempt is made for recruiting suitable candidates belonging to the concerned category in the same recruitment year or as early as possible before the next recruitment year so that backlog reserved vacancies are not created. However, even after making such efforts the reserved vacancies are not filled up and backlog vacancies are created which are carried forward to the subsequent recruitment year, in which concerted efforts are made to fill up the backlog reserved vacancies as soon as possible. 

It may be observed that reason of creation of backlog reserved vacancy is non-availability of reserved category candidates for some posts.

Q.8  Whether the ceiling of 50% reservation would apply to backlog reserved vacancies of SCs, STs and OBCs.

Ans.  Backlog reserved vacancies are treated as special and distinct group and ceiling of 50% reservation in a recruitment year does not apply to backlog reserved vacancies.

Q.9  What is the policy of Government about appointment of less qualified SCs, STs and OBCs candidates?

Ans: Instructions provide that in direct recruitment whether by examination or otherwise, if sufficient number of Scheduled Caste candidates are not available on the basis of the general standard to this community should be selected to fill up the remaining vacancies reserved for them provided they are not found unfit for such post or posts. Thus, to the extent the number of vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes cannot be filled on the basis of general standard, candidate belonging to SC community are taken by relaxed standard to make up the deficiency in the reserved quota, subject to the fitness of these candidates for appointment to the post/posts in question.

In addition to the concession referred to above, instructions further provide that in cases where the requisite number of SC candidate fulfilling even the relaxed standards admissible in their cases are not available to fill the vacancies reserved for them in non-technical and quasi-technical Group C and D services/posts required to be filled by direct recruitment otherwise than by written examination, the selecting authorities should, to the extent of the vacancies reserved for SC. select for appointment the best among the SC candidates who fulfil the minimum educational qualification laid down in the notice for recruitment of advertisement. In order to bring such candidates to the minimum standard necessary for the posts and for the maintenance of efficiency of administration, they should be given in-service training.

Where some period of experience is prescribed as an essential qualification for direct recruitment to a post, an where, in the opinion of the Ministry/ Department concerned, the relaxation of the experience qualification is not inconsistent with efficiency, a provision is inserted under the "essential qualification’ in the relevant recruitment rules to the effect that UPSC/ Competent Authority may relaxed the experience/qualification in the case of SC/ST/OBC candidates.

Q.10. Why there is no reservation in case of promotion within Group A?

Ans: Reservation to SCs and STs is available at all levels in the matter of promotion by non-selection method. In case of promotion by selection they get reservation up to the lowest rung of Group ‘A’.  Though there is no reservation in promotion by selection within Group A, in ease of promotion by selection from a Group ‘A’ post having a maximum salary of Rs. 18,300/- or less( in pre-revised scale), the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe officers who are senior enough in the zone of consideration for promotion so as to be within the number of vacancies for which the select list is to be drawn up, are included in that list provided they are not considered unfit for promotion. Thus sufficient care is taken to ensure that the SC/ST officers get promotion to such higher posts even if they do not meet the criterion laid down for general category candidates.

The Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney’s case had declared reservation in promotion ultra virus. However, in order to continue reservation in promotion, the 77th Amendment was made to the Constitution incorporating clause (4A) in Article 16 of the Constitution which enabled the State to continue reservation in promotion. The statement of Objects and Reasons of the Constitution (Eight-Sixth Amendment) Bill which became the Constitution (77th Amendment) Act, stated that the object was to continue the then existing dispensation. Since reservation in promotion was not available when promotions were made by selection within Group ‘A’ posts even before the judgment of the Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney case, the Department’s O.M. dated August 13, 1997 issued in pursuance of Article 16 (4A) has restored the previously existing dispensation, which did not provided for reservation in promotion by selection within Group ‘A’ posts.

Q.11  What is the objective behind the issuance of caste certificates to Scheduled Casts and Scheduled Tribes?

Ans. The main objective of issuance of caste certificate is to facilitate access of bonafide candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Class to the reserved posts and services under the State and other facilities provided by the State to them.

Q.12. Whether the Government have achieved the objective behind the issue of caste certificate?

Ans. On the basis of caste certificates, large number of reserved category candidates have been able to secure employment in Government establishments, PSUs, Banks, autonomous bodies ets.; secure admissions to educational institutions; and get other facilities provided by the Government to the members of Scheduled Castes. Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

Q.13  What is the procedure for issuing of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/other Backward Class certificates? Who is the competent authority to issue the same?

Is any other authority other than specified, in any circumstances allowed to issue such certificates, If so, elaborate. 

Ans. The instructions contained in this Department’s OM No.36012/6/88-Estt.(Res.) dated 24.4.90 and OM No.36012/22/93-Estt,(Res.) dated 15.11.1993 provide the Authorities who are competent to issue of caste certificates and also the proforma However, the Central Government accepts the certificates issued only by the following authorities in the prescribed proforma: 

(1) District Magistrate / Additional District Magistrate/Collector/Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner/Deputy Collector/1st class stipendiary Magistrate/Sub Divisional Magistrate/Taluka Magistrate/Executive Magistrate/Extra Assistant Commissioner. 

(2) Chief Presidency Magistrate/Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/Presidency Magistrate. 

(3) Revenue Officer not below the rank of Thasildar and 

(4) Sub-Divisional Officer of the area where the candidate and /or his family normally resides.

Q.14  What are the guidelines that have been issued to the appointing authorities in regard to scrutiny and verification of caste certificates of candidates at the time of their entry into Government service?

Whether the present guidelines on the subject are fool proof so that genuine SC/ST are not deprived of their Constitutional rights.

Ans. The Government of India has issued instructions regarding scrutiny and verification of the caste certificates of the candidates at the time of initial appointment and at every important upturn of employee’s career. This Department re-iterated the instructions vide O.M. No.36011/3/2005-Estt.(Res.) dated 9th September 2005.

Q.15  What are the guidelines in case of migration of a reserved category person from one state to another State?

Ans. When a person migrates from the portion of the State in respect of which his community is Scheduled to another part of the same State in respect of which his community is not scheduled, he will continue to be deemed to be a member of the Scheduled Caste or the Scheduled Tribe or the Other Backward Class, as the case may be in relation to that State; When a person who is a member from one State to another, he can claim to belong to a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe only in relation to the State to which be originally belonged and not in respect of the State to which he has migrated.

Q.16  What action is taken when complaints are received about the genuineness of caste certificate once the appointments have been given or on detection of a prima facie case of a false SC/ST certificate at any stage of employment? Is there a set procedure to be followed for punish in such an employee?

Ans. The instructions contained in The Department of Personnel & Training’s O.M. No.11012/7/91-Estt.(A) dated 19-5-93 provide that wherever it is found that a Government servant, who was not qualified or eligible in terms of the recruitment rules etc. for initial recruitment in service or had furnished false information or produced a false certificate in order to secure appointment, he should not be retained in service. If he in a probationer or a temporary Government servant, he should be discharged or his services should be terminated. If he has become a permanent Govt. Servant, an inequity as prescribed in Rule 14 of CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965 may be held and if the charges ar proved, the Government servant should be removed or dismissed from service. In no circumstances should any other penalty be imposed.  Necessary action may also be taken under the provisions of the IPC for priduction of false certificates.

Q. 17  What is ‘Creamy Layer’ amongst OBCs?

Ans. The Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney case has unheld 27% reservation for OBCs in civil posts and services under the State subject to exclusion of socially advanced persons/ sections (creamy layer) from OBCs within 4 months form the date of judgment. 

2. Following the above judgment of the Supreme Court, the Government had constituted an Expert Committee to make recommendations on the socio-economic criteria to be adopted for excluding the creamy layer amongst OBCs. The report of the Expert Committee was considered and accepted by the Government and the categories of the persons/ selections to be excluded from the purview of reservation orders for OBCs were notified in the Schedule to the OM dated 8.9.1993 issued by this Department. Initially, the Income limit of ‘creamy layer’ vide the aforesaid O.M. for exclusion of reservation was fixed Rs. 1 Lakh. 

3. Last time, this income ceiling was revised from Rs.2.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh vide OM No.36033/3/2004-Estt.(Res.) on 14.10.2008.

Q.18 What is the criteria to determine the ‘creamy layer’ amongst OBCs Employees working in PSUs?

Ans. The criteria prescribed for determining creamy layer status of some and daughters of persons in Government service mutatis mutandis applies to the sons and daughters of persons holding equivalent or comparable posts in PSUs, Banks, Insurance Organisation, Universities etc. and also holding equivalent or comparable posts and positions under private employment. The creamy layer status of the sons and daughters of employees of organizations where evaluation of the posts on equivalent or comparable basis has not been made is determined on the basis of ‘Income/ Wealth Test’ given in the Schedule. The income/ wealth Test prescribes that the gross annual income of Rs. 4.5 lakh or above or possessing wealth above the exemption limit as prescribed in Wealth Tax Act for a period of three consecutive years would be treated to fall in creamy layer.

Source: www.persmin.nic.in