Release of additional instalment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief

केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल ने आज केंद्र सरकार के कर्मचारियों को महंगाई भत्‍ते तथा पेंशनभोगियों को महंगाई राहत की 7 प्रतिशत अतिरिक्‍त किश्‍त जारी करने की मंजूरी दे दी। यह वृद्धि स्‍वीकृत फार्मूले के अनुरूप है जो छठे वेतन आयोग की सिफारिशों पर आधारित है। इस इजाफे के बाद अब केंद्रीय कर्मचारियों को 65 फीसदी महंगाई भत्ता मिलेगा। अभी कर्मचारियो का महंगाई भत्ता उनके मूल वेतन का 58 फीसदी ही है। सरकार के इस फैसले से तकरीबन 60 लाख से ज्यादा सरकारी कर्मचारियों को फायदा मिलेगा।
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2012 representing an increase of 7% over the existing rate of 58% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise. The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission.

Small savings like NSC, PPF, post office deposits to fetch higher returns

NEW DELHI: There is finally some good news for individuals in a season of duty hikes and provident fund rate cut. The government is raising interest rate on small savings schemes such as National Savings Certificate (NSC) and post office deposits by 20-50 basis points.

The new rates will, however, be applicable on investments that you make from April 1 and not on those that you park over the next 10 days to meet your tax saving requirements.

As a result, NSC and public provident fund (PPF), which is a voluntary deposit as opposed to employee provident fund, will earn you 8.8-8.9% instead of 8.6% a year. The shorter tenure deposits, such as term deposits in post offices, are expected to fetch you more than the longer tenure products such as PPF or the 10-year NSC. Savings bank accounts in post offices will, however, not see any change as the 4% return is in line with what most banks pay at present.

The increase in small savings rates, which is expected to be notified by the finance ministry, is in sync with the new policy to link returns on the popular savings instruments with the interest rate on government bonds.

Bank deposits may, however, look more attractive to many as they offer 9% return. But a scheme like PPF, which has a minimum term of 15 years, comes with additional tax sops. Not only is it part of the 80C benefits which entitles tax payers to get a concession of up to Rs 1 lakh a year, but the interest earned on the deposits is also tax-free. So, at the revised rates, the actual return for someone in the 30% tax bracket will work out to 12%.

In addition, the rate of return on small savings schemes that will be notified will be for the full financial year, while bank deposit rates are expected to come down with the Reserve Bank of India widely predicted to begin the rate cut cycle. Even before lending rates come down, banks will start pruning returns on deposits to lower their cost of funds.

The move to raise small savings rates comes barely a fortnight after the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) slashed the annual return from 9.5% last year to 8.25% for the current financial year based on a decision taken by the finance ministry. In the budget, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee decided to increase the excise duty and service tax rates from 10% to 12% which will put a burden of Rs 35,000 crore on anyone buying a matchbox or a car. He, however, offered some concession by way of an increase in exemption limit for direct tax from Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. 

source

Interest rate on advance for purchase of Motor cycle/ Motor car

GS visited Postal Directorate on 22/03/2012.

Today, I along with Shri Ajit Kumar, ASP (PMU) met with the various DDGs and other concerned officers in the Postal Directorate. The following issues were discussed with them. The present status in respect of the issues is furnished below for the information of all CHQ Office Bearers, Circle Secretaries and members.

 

1. Up-gradation of GP of IP from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/-.

 

File is still under process in the Postal Directorate in a positive manner and the same is likely to be sent to the MOF shortly.

 2. Holding of supplementary DPC for promotion to PS Gr. B for the year 2011.

 

ACRs of few officers are required and result of supplementary DPC is likely to be completed within a couple of months.

 

3. Holding of DPC to PS Gr. B for the year 2012.

 

ACRs are yet to be called for from Circles. This will be done after issue of result of supplementary DPC to PS Gr. B for the year 2011.

 

4. Holding of DPC for the promotion to JTS, Group A.

 

The required information has already been provided to UPSC.

 

5. Declaration of result of IP examination 2011.

 

File is still with the Secretary (Posts) for decision in respect of PM Grade-I officials. After clearance of the file, result will be announced shortly.

                Reminders in other pending issues were given to the Postal Directorate. Gist of these letters will also be published in CHQ blog shortly.

(Vilas Ingale)

General Secretary

Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 — Date of next increment in the revised pay structure under Rule 10 of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2008.

Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 — Date of next increment in the revised pay structure under Rule 10 of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2008.

                                                                                                                                MOST IMMEDIATE

                                                                     No.10/02/2011-E.III/A

                                                                      Government of India

                                                                      Ministry of Finance

                                                                    Department of Expenditure

                                                                New Delhi, the 19th March, 2012

                                                                    OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:— Central Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008 — Date of next increment in the revised pay structure under Rule 10 of the CCS(RP) Rules, 2008.

In accordance with the provisions contained in Rule 10 of the CCS (RP) Rules, 2008, there will be a uniform date of annual increment, viz. 1st July of every year. Employees completing 6 months and above in the revised pay structure as on 1st of July will be eligible to be granted the increment. The first increment after fixation of pay on 1.1.2006 in the revised pay structure will be granted on 1.7.2006 for those employees for whom the date of next increment was between 1st July, 2006 to 1st January, 2007.

2. The Staff Side has represented on this issue and has requested that those employees who were due to get their annual increment between February to June during 2006 may be granted one increment on 01.01.2006 in the pre-revised scale.

3. On further consideration and in exercise of the powers available under CCS(RP) Rules, 2008, the President is pleased to decide that in relaxation of stipulation under Rule 10 of these Rules, those central government employees who were due to get their annual increment between February to June during 2006 may be granted one increment on 1.1 .2006 in the pre-revised pay scale as a one time measure and there after will get the next increment in the revised pay structure on 1.7.2006 as per Rule 10 of CCS(RP) Rules, 2008. The pay of the eligible employees may be re-fixed accordingly.

4, In so far as the persons serving in the Indian Audit and Account Department are concerned, these orders are issued in consultation with the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.

                                                                                                                                 sd/-
                                                                                                                            (Renu Jani)
                                                                                                                               Director
Source: www.finmin.nic.in/

Interest Rate for GPF for the period year 2011-2012.

Resolution - accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the GPF and other similar funds - 2011-2012(89 KB) (Dated 19th March, 2012)
(PUBLISHED IN PART I SECTION 1 OF GAZETTE OF INDIA)

F.NO. 5(1)-B(PD)/2011

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

(Department of Economic Affairs)

New Delhi, the 19th March, 2012

RESOLUTION

It is announced for general information that during the year 2011-2012, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 8% (Eight per cent) for the period from 1.4.2011 to 30.11.2011 and 8.6% (eight point six percent) with effect from 1.12.2011.
The funds concerned are:—
1. The General Provident Fund (Central Services).
2. The Contributory Provident Fund (India).
3. The All India Services Provident Fund.
4. The State Railway Provident Fund.
5. The General Provident Fund (Defence Services).
6. The Indian Ordnance Department Provident Fund.
7. The Indian Ordnance Factories Workmen’s Provident Fund.
8. The Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen’s Provident Fund.
9. The Defence Services Officers Provident Fund.
10. The Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund.

2. Ordered that the Resolution be published in Gazette of India.

sd/-
(Brajendra Navnit)

Deputy Secretary (Budget)

Source: www.finmin.nic.in

PS Group B Examination postponed to 03-06-2012

As communicated vide Directorate letter No.A.34012/01/2012-DE dated 9/3/2012, PS Group-B Examination scheduled to be held on 27.05.2012 (Sunday) has now been postponed to 03.06.2012 (Sunday).

Engagement of GDS on Compassionate grounds-Merit points and Revised selection procedure

Scheme for Engagement of GDS on Compassionate grounds-Merit points and Revised selection procedure

Copy of D.G. Posts letter no No. 17-17/2000-GDS dated 9 March 2012 on the above subject matter is reproduced below.

A reference is invited in this Directorate letters of even number dated 14 December 2010 and 01 August 2011 vide which the scheme for engagement of GDS on compassionate grounds with merit points & procedure for selection as modified was circulated and made effective for all the compassionate engagement cases to be considered on or after 01.01.2011.

2. The scheme has recently been reviewed in this Directorate and in partial modification in the existing provisions of the Scheme, the following provisions are hereby ordered to be substituted with the approval of the competent authority:

(a) The attribute of assessing indigence appearing at Serial 7 - Educational Qualification of Applicant on Page 3 of this Directorate letter No. 17-17/2010-GDSdated 14.12.2010 is deleted.

(b) The attribute of assessing indigence appearing at Serial 2 - Outstanding liabilities for Education/Marriage of dependent children on Page-2 of this Directorate letter No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 14.12.2010 is substituted as under:

Ser	Points	Criteria
1	20 for two or more dependent children	For education of children
	15 for one dependent child
2	20 for two or more dependent daughter	For marriage of daughters
	15 for one dependent daughter

(c) The attribute of assessing indigence appearing at Ser 6-Discharge Benefits i.e Ex-gratia gratuity ,Severance Amount, Service Discharge benefits under NPS Lite and Group Insurance Benefits received by family on Page 3 of this Directorate letter No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 14.12.2010 is substituted as under:

Ser	Points	Slabs for benefits on discharge
1	20	Rs. 75000 & below
2	15	Below Rs. 150000 but above Rs. 75000/-.
3	10	Rs. 150000 & above.

(d) The word “Proposed” appearing under Criteria 1, 3, 5 & 6 on page 2 & 3 of this Directorate letter No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 14.12.2010 may be taken as deleted.

(e) Apart from the above cases where the wife of the deceased GDS has applied for compassionate engagement for her, she shall get 15 additional points as grace points. This is the line with the general principle that the widow needs to be give preference for compassionate engagement. Such grace points shall not be permissible in the widower applicant.

3. All other provisions contained in the Scheme dated 14.12.2010 as further modified under letter of even number dated 01.08.2011 shall continue to apply as already prescribed and all compassionate engagement shall be approved with in the ambit of the prescribed Scheme only. It is reiterated that the existing criteria of 50 Points and above for adjudging hard and deserving cases stands.

(Note : The above last line has been substituted as "it is reiterated that the existing criteria of over and above 50 points for adjudging hard and deserving cases stands'' vide No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 13/04/12)

4. The above changes shall take effect from the date of application of the original Scheme. All cases which were considered & rejected by the CRC based on the earlier provisions of the new Scheme may be reconsidered afresh based on application of the revised criteria within the time frame allowed under Para 7 (e) of the Directorate’s letter No. 17-17/2010-GDS dated 14.12.2010 as fresh cases subject to availability of vacancies in the division concerned in view of removal of ceiling of 10% already without further reference to this Directorate.

5. Pursuant to the provisions now revised where the widow now applies for the compassionate engagement following rejection of the case of one of her child case may also be taken as a fresh case to be considered as per the new Scheme as modified. Thus before the already rejected cases are reconsidered the widow may be given an option to be exercised in writing within one month of date of receipt of the communication to be issued by the Circle treating the application of her child as withdrawn & consideration of her application afresh to follow in due course . Where such as option is exercised, the already rejected application of her child may be considered and her fresh application may be got processed expeditiously.

Sd/

(Surender Kumar)

Assistant Director General (GDS)

Source :AIAIPASP

CHQ News : Announcement of result of IP Examination-2011

Today, I contacted the concerned officers in the Postal Directorate. It came to notice that some Circles had allowed P.M.Grade-I officials to take the IP Examination. Hence, the file has been sent to the DDG (P) for clarification. Result will be announced only after clarification by the SPN Division of the Department.

(Vilas Ingale)
General Secretary

CHQ News : GS visited to Directorate on 29/02/2012.

Today, I along with Ex-GS Shri Roop Chand visited Directorate and met with the  Member (P), various DDGs and other concerned officers. The following issues were discussed with them. The present status in respect of the issues is furnished below for the information of all CHQ Office Bearers, Circle Secretaries and members. 

 1.   Up-gradation of GP of IP from Rs. 4200/- to Rs. 4600/-.

File relating to implementation of Hon. CAT Ernakulam Bench judgement dated 19/10/2011 is still under examination in view of our letter dated 22/2/2012. File is likely to be sent to Ministry of Finance shortly.

2.   Restructuring of Inspectors Posts Cadre.

Next Meeting of the committee constituted to look into promotional prospects of IPOs/ASPs is likely to be convened by the Department in near future in view of decision of AIC conveyed to the Member (P) on 22/2/2012.

3.   Holding of supplementary DPC for promotion to PS Gr. B for the year 2011.

Decision has been taken by the Department to hold supplementary DPC. This process is likely to be completed within next 3-4 months. 

    4.   Holding of DPC for the promotion to JTS, Group A.

File is under process, which is likely to be completed within 2-3 months.

5.   Declaration of result of IP examination 2011.

Marksheet from CMC has been received by the Department which is under scrutiny. After scrutiny the result will be declared shortly.  

6.   Revision of rates of remuneration for performing duty as Invigilator in the examination.  

File is still pending with Internal Finance.

7.   Re-allotment of surplus IPs to their Home Circles.

The issue is not under consideration at Directorate. Surplus IPs can go to their Home Circle only after relieving by the concerned circle in which they are working. 

Vilas Ingale

General Secretary