CBDT notifies Income Tax Return Forms for Assessment Year 2018-19

New Income Tax Forms for AY 2018-19 – CBDT Notification

Ministry of Finance
CBDT notifies Income Tax Return Forms for Assessment Year 2018-19

The Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT) has notified Income Tax Return Forms (ITR Forms) for the Assessment Year 2018-19. For Assessment Year 2017-18, a one page simplified ITR Form-1(Sahaj) was notified. This initiative benefited around 3 crore taxpayers, who have filed their return in this simplified Form. For Assessment Year 2018-19 also, a one page simplified ITR Form-1(Sahaj) has been notified. This ITR Form-1 (Sahaj) can be filed by an individual who is resident other than not ordinarily resident, having income upto Rs.50 lakh and who is receiving income from salary, one house property / other income (interest etc.). Further, the parts relating to salary and house property have been rationalised and furnishing of basic details of salary (as available in Form 16) and income from house property have been mandated.

ITR Form-2 has also been rationalised by providing that Individuals and HUFs having income under any head other than business or profession shall be eligible to file ITR Form-2. The Individuals and HUFs having income under the head business or profession shall file either ITR Form-3 or ITR Form-4 (in presumptive income cases).

In case of non-residents, the requirement of furnishing details of any one foreign Bank Account has been provided for the purpose of credit of refund. Further, the requirement of furnishing details of cash deposit made during a specified period as provided in ITR Form for the Assessment Year 2017-18 has been done away with from Assessment Year 2018-19.

There is no change in the manner of filing of ITR Forms as compared to last year. All these ITR Forms are to be filed electronically. However, where return is furnished in ITR Form-1 (Sahaj) or ITR-4 (Sugam), the following persons have an option to file return in paper form:-

(i) an Individual of the age of 80 years or more at any time during the previous year; or

(ii) an Individual or HUF whose income does not exceed five lakh rupees and who has not claimed any refund in the Return of Income.

The notified ITR Forms are available on the official website of the Department www.incometaxindia.gov.in.

Source: PIB

Recognition of Central Secretariat MTS Association

DoPT: Recognition of Central Secretariat MTS Association

No.17/1/2017-R&R and DC
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, NewDelhi-110003

Office Memorandum

Subject: Recognition of Central Secretariat MTS Association – regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to OM of even number dated 29.06.2017, 06.09.2017 and CSMTSA’s letter No. CS MTS/Recog/US/2018 dated 12/03/2018 on the subject mentioned above and to say that on the basis of information furnished by the DDOs of Ministries/ Department, it has been found that the Central Secretariat MTS Association has sufficient members for its recognition.

2. As such, it has been decided with the approval of Competent Authority to accord recognition to the Central Secretariat MTS Association under CCS (Recognition of Service Associations) Rules, 1993.

3. The recognition of the aforesaid Association will be valid upto 5 years or further directions issued in this regards, whichever is earlier.

(S.K.Mandl)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: DoPT
Download Order

Policy for Removal of Non-Performing Civil Servants

“Removal of Non-Performing Civil Servants Under Fundamental Rules (FR) 56(j), Rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) (Pension) Rule, 1972″

Policy for Removal of Non-Performing Civil Servants

The provisions under Fundamental Rules (FR) 56(j), Rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) (Pension) Rule, 1972 and Rule, 16(3) (Amended) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) [AIS (DCRB)] Rules, 1958 have laid down the policy of periodic review and premature retirement of non-performing Government servants.

Up to January, 2018, a total of 21,195 Group ‘A’ and 47,039 Group ‘B’ officers have been reviewed, out of which provisions of FR 56(j) and relevant rules were invoked/recommended against 83 Group ‘A’ and 128 Group ‘B’ officers, including 15 officers of All India Services.

This was stated by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Economy in Use of Paper in Government Offices

Source: PIB.

Need to avoid the nomenclature “Dalit” for the members belonging to Scheduled Castes

Need to avoid the nomenclature “Dalit” for the members belonging to Scheduled Castes – Govt of India Order

No.12017/02/2018-SCD(R.L.Cell)
Government of India
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Department of Social Justice and Empowerment

Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi
New Delhi, dated: 15.03.2018

To,
The Chief Secretaries to all the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations.

Subject: Need to avoid the nomenclature “Dalit” for the members belonging to Scheduled Castes.

Sir,
I am directed to refer to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) letter No. BC 12025/44/80-SC&BCD.I/IV, dated 10.02.1982, addressed to all the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations in which a request was made to issue instructions to the authorities empowered to issue the Scheduled Castes certificates, not to insert the word ‘Harijin’ in the Scheduled Caste certificates, but to mention only the caste to which the person belongs and which has been recognised as Scheduled Caste under the Presidential Orders. Subsequently, the Ministry of Welfare (now Social Justice and Empowerment), vide, letter No. 12025/14/90-SCD (R.L.Cell), dated 16.08.1990, again requested the State Governments/ UT Administrations that for all official transactions, matters, dealings, certificates etc., the Constitutional term, ‘Scheduled Caste’ in English and its appropriate translation in other national languages should alone be used for denoting the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes. Thereafter, in compliance with recommendation of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee the aforesaid instructions were again reiterated vide this Ministry’s letter No.17020/64/2010-SCD (R.L.Cell) dated 22.11.2012.

2. The Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior Bench in its order dated 15.01.2018 passed in W.P. No.20420 of 2017 (PIL)-Dr.Mohanlal Mahor Vs.Union of India & Ors. has directed as under:-

“…..that the Central Government/ State Government and its functionaries would refrain from using the nomenclature ‘Dalit’ for the members belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as the same does not find mentioned in the Constitution of India or any statute.”

3. All the State Governments/U.T. Administrations are requested that for all official transactions, matters, dealings, certificates etc., the Constitutional term, ‘Scheduled Caste‘ in English, and its appropriate translation in other national languages should alone be used for denoting the persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes notified in the Presidential Orders issued under Article 341 of the Constitution of India.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(Arvind Kumar)
Director (SCD)

Source: http://www.icar.org.in

7th CPC Pay & Allowances Handbook For JCOs and Ors: Ministry of Defence

7th CPC Pay & Allowances Handbook For JCOs and Ors: Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence
DAD Releases Handbook on Pay & allowances of JCOs & ORs

Dated 04 APR 2018

The Defence Accounts Department is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the pay accounts of million plus Jawans and JCOs of Indian Army. The Pay Accounts Offices (PAOs) of this department are at the forefront of the concerted efforts that are being put in to ensure that these men get their correct dues within reasonable time frame.

An important requirement to meet the expectations of the end user and ensuring their contentment is that the JCOs/ORs understands their dues and their entitlement. If they further appreciate the processes involved in acceptance or denial of any dues, it would equip them with enough knowledge to have better awareness to contest entitlement inconsistencies, if any.

This handbook was conceptualized with the aim to provide more grasp on the rules of entitlement as well as to have complete transparency of procedures in the PAOs. This first edition contains all the procedures right from the inception stage of publishing and processing of the daily Part II orders, till the final processing and disbursement of entitlements.

The book also details the functional boundaries and constraints of PAOs. The chapters are so ordered that they lay down entitlement parameters in a user-friendly manner. Each of the chapter seeks to enlighten the JCOs/OR on the documentary and procedural requirements for processing an entitlement.

The audit and procedural requirements behind processing of Contingent Bill items, AFPP Fund claims, MACPs, transfer/deputation, leave/TD etc., are all detailed in distinct chapters of the handbook. The deductions from pay and allowances, bank account details, etc. are also elaborated in the book.

In a unique separate chapter interpretation of the Monthly Pay Slip has been elaborated. It details item-wise description of notifications provided in the Pay Slip, which, it is expected, would not only ameliorate grievances of Jawans at the inception stage but also give him confidence regarding legitimacy of the entitlements so granted. A chapter on general FAQs is also included for assistance and ready reference.

The book has sought to cover all the parameters of pay and allowances of JCOs/ORs, incorporating the 7th CPC entitlements as well, wherever available on the date of publication. This book in pdf format is also available on the website of PAO(OR) AMC & 11 GRRC as well as of PCDA(CC), Lucknow.

Clarification regarding applicability of standard deduction to pension received from the former employer

Standard Deduction Applicable for Pensioners – Clarification

Ministry of Finance
Clarification regarding applicability of standard deduction to pension received from the former employer

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clarified that the pension received by a taxpayer from his former employer is taxable under the head “Salaries”. The Finance Act, 2018 has amended Section 16 of the Income-tax Act, 1961(“the Act”) to provide that a taxpayer having income chargeable under the head “Salaries” shall be allowed a deduction of Rs 40,000/- or the amount of salary, whichever is less, for computing his taxable income. Accordingly, any taxpayer who is in receipt of pension from his former employer shall be entitled to claim a deduction of Rs 40,000/- or the amount of pension, whichever is less, under Section 16 of the Act.

Earlier, the representations were received seeking clarification as to whether a taxpayer, who receives pension from his former employer, shall also be eligible to claim this deduction.

Source: PIB

Payment of Minimum Wages to Contract/Casual Employees

The basic rate of minimum wages for the scheduled employments in the Central sphere was last revised and notified on 19.01.2017. A component of minimum rates of wage, Variable Dearness Allowance (V.D.A.), was last revised on 01.10.2017.Rates fixed for the scheduled employments in the Central sphere are applicable to establishments under the authority of Central Government, railway administration, mines, oil-fields, major port or any corporation established by a Central Government. These rates are equally applicable to contract and casual labourers/worker. The implementation of the Act is done by the Centre as well as the States in respect of their respective jurisdiction. In the Central Sphere, the enforcement is secured through the Inspecting Officers of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) commonly designated as Central Industrial Relations Machinery (CIRM) across the Country for workers falling under the Scheduled Employment in the Central Sphere including CPSUs and Railways establishments through regular inspections. In case of non-compliance, penal provisions against the defaulting employers are invoked.This Ministry is in constant endeavor towards implementing the revised rates of minimum wages. As far as employees in Railway are concerned guidelines were issued in December, 2017 to Ministry of Railways/Railway Board. Ministry of Railways has also issued instructions to its Zonal Offices across the country for strict compliance of minimum wages in December, 2017.The data of inspections, amount of claims, action taken against defaulting employer under the Minimum Wage Act, 1948 in the Central Sphere for the last three years is at Annexure ‘A’.

Annexure ‘A’

Claims cases under Minimum Wages Act, 1948

Minimum Wages Act, 1948

This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

PIB

EQUAL PAY FOR DAILY WAGERS/CONTRACT LABOURERS AND REGULAR EMPLOYEES

Equal Pay for Equal Work: Equal Pay for Daily Wagers/Contract Labourers and Regular Employees

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
RAJYA SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO. 346
TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.03.2018

EQUAL PAY FOR DAILY WAGERS/CONTRACT LABOURERS AND REGULAR EMPLOYEES

346. DR. SATYANARAYAN JATIYA:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to
state:
(a)the policy of “equal pay for equal work” and the effective measures taken for the implementation of the same; and
(b)in reference to (a) above the measures taken to ensure equal payment to daily wagers and contract labourers employed in institutes, establishments and companies of Government and
private sector as is being given to regular employees employed there?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE(IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) & (b): The principal of “equal pay for equal work” was examined and laid down by the Hon‟ble Supreme Court in the civil appeal number 213 of 2013. The issue before the Hon‟ble Supreme Court was as under:
“whether temporarily engaged employees (daily-wage employees, ad- appointees, employees appointed on casual basis, contractual employees and the like), are entitled to minimum of the regular pay-scale, alongwith dearness allowance (as revised from time to time) on account of their performing the same duties, which are discharged by those engaged on regular basis, against sanctioned posts”

The Hon‟ble Supreme Court held that:
“There can be no doubt, that the principle of “equal pay for equal work” would be applicable to all the concerned temporary employees, so as to vest in them the right to claim wages, at par with the minimum of the pay-scale of regularly engaged Government employees, holding the same post”

The above judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 26th October, 2016 covers various sets of temporarily engaged employees, viz. daily-wage employees, adappointees, employees appointed on casual basis, contractual employees etc. It is mandatory for the employer/principal employer to comply with the provisions of labour laws and apply the ratio laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court regarding “equal pay for equal work” while paying wages to its workers/labourers.

In so far as the contract labour is concerned, the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Central Rules, 1971 provides for wage parity as stipulated in rule 25(2)(v)(a) which is reproduced below:

“in cases where the workmen employed by the contractor perform the same or similar kind of work as the workmen directly employed by the principal employer of the establishment, the wage rates, holidays, hours of work and other conditions of service of the workmen of the contractor shall be the same as applicable to the workmen directly employed by the principal employer of the establishment on the same or similar kind of work”

Source: www.rajyasabga.nic.in

Reimbursement in respect of Newspapers purchased/supplied to officers at their residence-guidelines

Reimbursement in respect of Newspapers purchased/supplied to officers at their residence – Guidelines regarding

No. 25(12)/E.Coord-2018
Government of India
Ministry Of Finance
Department of Expenditure
(E. Coord. Branch)

North Block, New Delhi
Dated 3rd April 201B

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Reimbursement in respect of Newspapers purchased/supplied to officers at their residence-guidelines regarding.

Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, vide order no.1 (24)/E.IIA/96 dated 13th September, 1996, had issued guidelines on the subject cited above It has been felt that these guidelines are dated and need to be updated. It has therefore, been decided that in place of the existing practice of getting monthly reimbursement of newspaper on production of newspaper bills, reimbursement for newspaper may be made at the rates mentioned below based on the certification given by the entitled officer:

2. A certificate as per the Annexure, to the effect that expenditure has been incurred on newspaper shall be provided by the officers on half yearly basis to the office for reimbursement.
3. This issues in supersession to all earlier guidelines Of Department of Expenditure on the subject. The orders will be effective with immediate effect.
4. The orders will be effective with immediate effect.

sd/-
(H.Atheli)
Director

Click to view Certificate

Source: www.doe.gov.in

Dress Code prescribed for Income Tax Employees

Reg: Dress Code prescribed for Income Tax Employees

Source: Confederation

Re-fixation of pay of Running Staff in 7th CPC pay level

Re-fixation of pay of Running Staff in 7th CPC pay level-reg.

NFIR

 No.I/2/Part IV

Dated: 02/04/2018

The Secretary (E),
Railway Board,
New Delhi

Dear Sir,
Sub: Re-fixation of pay of Running Staff in 7th CPC pay level-reg.
Ref: (i) NFIR’s PNM Item No. 05/2017.
(ii) Railway Board’s letter No. PC-VII/2016/IC/2 dated 21/08/2017 (RBE No. 99/2017)
(iii) NFIR’s letter No. I/2/Part IV dated 20/02/2018.
(iv) Railway Board’s letter No. PC-VIII/2017/R-U/37 dated 07/03/2018 addressed to GS/NFIR.

With reference to reply received from Railway Board vide letter dated 07/03/2018. Federation cites below the specific cases where the running staff promoted during the period July and December, 2016 have not been granted pay re-fixation duly obtaining their option.

(i) On Raipur Division of South East Central Railway, 53 Guard (Goods) PB-I + GP 2800/- were promoted to Senior Guard (Goods) in PB-2 + GP 4200/- on dated 29/07/2016. A copy of notification issued by the Sr. DPO, Raipur Division on 27/07/2016 is enclosed as Annexure to this letter.

(ii) Similarly, 127 Assistant Loco Pilot in PB-I + GP 2400/- were promoted to Loco Pilot (Goods) PB-2 + GP 4200/- on 08th December, 2016 on Kota Division on West Central Railway.

Federation also visualizes that there might be similar cases of Running and other category staff on the different Divisions/Zones where the re-option opportunity not given, resulting loss of fixation benefit.

In this connection, Federation desires to state that in the above situations, the staff were eligible to be continued in the 6th CPC grade pay on promotion and equally opt for a date from which, they should be switched over to 7th CPC pay. These staff when submitted their options to the respective Administrations, they were denied the pay fixation after promotion date, though permissible under the rules. Cases cited above are sufficient to prove that injustice has been done to those promoted in between July and December, 2016 by denying option for pay fixation in 7th CPC pay level after the date of promotion.

NFIR therefore, once again requests the Railway Board to issue clear; classificatory instructions to the Zones, Production Units etc for allowing pay re-fixation in respect of staff who have been promoted during July-December, 2016 on the basis of their option/re-option.

A copy of instructions issued may be endorsed to the Federation.

Yours faithfully,
(Dr. M. Raghavaiah)
General Secretary.

Source: NFIR

Download Order

Declaration of Holiday on 14th April, 2018 – Birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Declaration of Holiday on 14.4.2018 for all Central Government Offices on account of the birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

No.12/6/2016-JCA-2
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
Establishment (JCA-2) Section

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 2nd April, 2018

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Declaration of Holiday on 14th April, 2018 – Birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

It has been decided to declare Saturday, the 14th April 2018, as a Closed Holiday on account of the birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, for all Central Government Offices including Industrial Establishments throughout India.

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

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

sd/-
(D.K.Sengupta)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India

View order

Source: http://dopt.gov.in/

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank including NCs(E) – Revised rates effective from 1st January, 2018

7% DA Order for Armed Forces Officers and PBOR including NCs(E)

Payment of Dearness Allowance to Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank including NCs(E)- Revised rates effective from 1st January 2018

F.No.1(2)/2004/D(Pay/Services)

Government of India
Ministry of Defence

New Delhi, the 28th March, 2018

To
The Chief of the Army Staff
The Chief of the Air Staff
The Chief of the Naval Staff

Subject: Payment of Dearness Allowance to Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank including NCs(E) – Revised rates effective from 1st January, 2018.

Sir,
I am directed to refer to this Ministry’s letter No.1(2)/2004/D(Pay/Services) dated 3rd October 2017, on the subject cited above and to say that the President is pleased to decide that the Dearness Allowance payable to Armed Forces Officers and Personnel Below Officer Rank, including Non-Combatants (Enrolled), shall be enhanced from the existing rate of 5% to 7% of the basic pay with effect from 1st January, 2018.

2. The term ‘basic pay’ in the revised pay structure means the pay drawn in the prescribed Level in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC recommendations accepted by the Government, but does not include any other type of pay like special pay, etc

3. The Dearness Allowance will continue to be a distinct element of remuneration and will not be treated as pay within the ambit of Pay rules of Defence Force Personnel.

4. The payment on account of Dearness Allowance involving fractions of 50 paise and above may be rounded to the next higher rupee and the fractions of less than 50 paise may be ignored.

5. The payment of arrears of Dearness Allowance shall not be made before the date of disbursement of salary of March, 2018.

6. This letter issues with the concurrence of Finance Division of this Ministry vide their Dy. No.79-PA dated 26.03.18 based on Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) O.M. No.1/1/2018-E.II(B), dated 15th March, 2018.

Yours faithfully,
sd/-
(T.D.Prashanth Rao)
Under Secretary to the Government of India

Source: https://mod.gov.in/

Free Personal Accident Death Cover and Permanent Disability Cover of Rs 30 lakhs

Free Personal Accident Death Cover and Permanent Disability Cover of Rs 30 lakhs

“Army personnel will get free personal accident death cover and free permanent disability cover of Rs 30 lakhs, free educational cover of upto Rs 1 Lakh per year for four years for education of dependent child in case of accidental death of defence personnel”

Ministry of Defence
MoU between Indian Army and HDFC Bank

A Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and HDFC Bank on the Defence Salary Package on 03 Apr 2018. The first MoU between HDFC Bank and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was renewed on 13 Mar 2015. The current MoU is tailor made to suit the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families.

The signing in ceremony was chaired by the Director General (MP&PS), Lt Gen S K Saini and was attended by the top dignitaries of HDFC Bank headed by Ms Smita Bhagat, Head Government Business and Branch Banking.

Currently Indian Army has MoUs on Defence Salary Package with 11 public and private sector banks. MoUs are considered for inception and renewal with banks on analyzing their utility and suitability to the requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. Army is hoping that this MoU will benefit a large number of serving and retired Army personnel who are having their accounts with HDFC bank; and also provide them an opportunity to access modern banking facilities.

Under the current MoU apart from other benefits the Army personnel will get free personal accident death cover and free permanent disability cover of Rs 30 lakhs, free educational cover of upto Rs 1 Lakh per year for four years for education of dependent child in case of accidental death of defence personnel and 100% processing fees waived for Car Loans and Personal Loans.

Source: PIB

Appointment on compassionate grounds – NFIR

Appointment on Compassionate Grounds – NFIR Railway Board Orders

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAILWAY BOARD

RBE No.42/2018

No.E(NG)II/2018/RC-1/5

New Delhi, dated 21.03.2018

The General Manager(P)
All Indian Railways & PU.

Sub: Appointment on compassionate grounds.

The issue of considering appointment of compassionate grounds(CG) to sons/daughters, born through other than first legally married wife has been engaging the attention of this Ministry for quite some time, in the backdrop of partial quashing of CG related instructions contained in this Ministry’s letter dated 02.01.1992 regarding such appointments, by the Hon’ble High Court/Calcutta in the case (WPCT 20 of 2009) Namita Goldar & Ors. Vs UOI & Others.

2. In this reard, Railway Board has taken into account following observations of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, on the subject of CG appointment, in the case of State Bank of India & another Vs Rajkumar, (Civil appeal No. 1641 of 2010):

“it is now well settled that appointment on compassionate grounds is not a source of recruitment. On the other hand it is an exception to the general rule that recruitment to public services should be on the basis of merit, by an open invitation providing equal opportunity to all eligible persons to participate in the selection process. The dependants of employees, who die in harness, do not have any special claim or right to employment, except by way of the concession that may be extended by the employer under the Rules or by a separate scheme, to enable the family of the deceased to get over the sudden financial crisis. The claim for compassionate appointment is, therefore, traceable only to the scheme framed by the employer for such employment and there is no right whatsoever out side such scheme…”

3. Railway Board has also taken into account following observation of Hon’ble High Court of Jharkhand (Ranchi) in writ petition No. WP(S) 16 of 2014 (pronounced on 24.07.2014) “Compassionate appointment is a matter of policy of the employer and the employer cannot be compelled to provide compassionate appointment contrary to its policy/scheme. When there is specific circular which clearly provides that the children of second marriage of the employee shall not be eligible for compassionate appointment, no direction can be issued to the respondents to consider the case of the petitioner”

4. The matter has been examined and in supersession of this Ministry’s letter dated 02.01.1992 issued under RBE No. 01/1992 and No. E(NG)II/2012/RC-1/21 dated 03.04.2013, it has been decided that the first right of being considered for compassionate grounds appointment is vested, in cases of death of Railway servants while in service, with the legally wedded surviving widow provided she has not remarried at the time of making request for appointments on compassionate grounds. It is clarified that in cases of those Railway Servants who are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, there can only be one one legally wedded wife/widow, as second marriage, while spouse is living, is void/voidable in view of the Section 5(1) read with Section 11 of the Act. In this respect, Railway Board’s letter No. E(D&A) 92 GS 1-1 dated 10.04.1992 connects.

5. If aforementioned legally wedded suriving widow does not want herself to be considered for compassionate grounds appointment, she can nominate, for CG appointment, a “bread winner” for the family from amongst the following”

(a) In cases of those Railway Servants who are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 : Son(including adopted son); or daughter(including widowed/ adopted/married/divorced daughter). However, if such Railway Servant has left sons/daughters, who have been treated as legitimate or deemed to be legitimate, under Section 16 of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, neither widow can nominate them as bread winner for CG appointment nor such sons/daughters can claim CG appointment.

(b) In cases of those Railway Servants who are governed by their respective Personal Laws: Son(including adopted son); or daughter(including widowed/ adopted/married/divorced daughter). However, if such Railway Servant has left sons/daughters through second/subsequent legally valid marriages, i.e. other than through first wife and deceased Railway Servant have failed to obtain requisite permission for such second/subsequent marriage as required under section 21 (relating to restrictions regarding marriage) of the Railway Services (Conduct) Rules, 1966, neither first widow/second/subsequent widow can nominate such sons/daughters as bread winner for CG appointment nor such sons/daughters can claim CG appointment. Moreover, such second/subsequent widow also would not have any right to seek compassionate grounds appointment.

6. All Zonal Railway/PUs/Units are directed to decide cases accordingly.

Please acknowledge receipt.

(Neeraj Kumar)
Director Estt. (N) II,
Railway Board.

View order

Source: NFIR

CGDA: Review of hard and tenue stations

CGDA: Review of hard and tenue stations

 OFFICE OF CONTROLLER GENERAL OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS
ULAN BATAR MARG. PALAM, DELHI CANTT – 110010

Circular No. 25012(1)(17)/AN-X/Unpopular

Dated: 28/03/2018

To
All PCsDA’PCA(Fys)/PIFAs/CsDA/IFAs’CFA (FYS)

Subject: Review of hard and tenue stations

Reference: HQrs office letter No.25012/AN/X/2014 dated 15.17.2014.

As you are that certain stations have been categorized as ‘Hard’ and ‘Tenure’ stations for the purpose of transfer/posting. In order to rotate staff/officers at hard and tenure stations, a fixed tenure has been prescribed for each of the stations.

2. The service conditions and the accessibility of facilities at various hard and tenure stations continue to change from time to time. Overall economic and infrastructural development in these areas cans for a review from time to time. Hence, the competent authority has decided to review the status of all hard and tenure stations.

3. In order to take an appropriate view on continuation/discontinuation addition of any new station in this category, it is requested that your considered views in respect of hard and tenure stations falling under your jurisdiction may be communicated to HQrs office latest by 15th April 2018 in the enclosed proforma. While forwarding your comments, the degree of climatic/topographic hardships at these stations, availability of basic facilities like schools, hospitals, accommodation etc., accessibility of the station by rail or road or any other mean and effect of revised tenure on volunteers for different stations, if any, may be taken into consideration.

sd/-
(Kavita Garg)
Sr.Dy.CGDA (AN)

View order

Source: http://cgda.nic.in/

BHAVISHYA – Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System

BHAVISHYA – Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System

An Initiative of Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare

BHAVISHYA

Department of P&PW has introduced an online Pension Sanction and Payment Tracking System called ‘BHAVISHYA‘. Actions for timely payment of retirement dues and issue of Pension Payment Order (PPO) start one years before the date of retirement of the employee. There are a number of intervening stages and the system will pinpoint delays at each stage to enable timely interventions. The tracking can be done by the retiring employee as well as the administrative authorities.

In addition, forms required during the process are available in electronic format. The retiring employee can fill the forms online. It facilitates the administrative authorities by processing the claims and passing on the calculated amounts and other details to the Pay and Accounts Offices. The new system will also capture personal information, service data and contact details like mobile number and e-mail etc. The retiring employees will be kept informed of the progress of pension sanction process through SMS/E-mail.

Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has implemented an online system called ‘BHAVISHYA‘ for retiring central government civil employees. The system provides for on-line tracking of pension sanction and payment process. Tracking can be done by the individual as well as the administrative authorities for all actions preparatory to grant of pension and other retirement benefits. This is in line with the priorities of Government to ensure transparency and accountability in systems and processes.

At present, Bhavishya is implemented in main secretariat of 89 Ministries/ Departments except Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Defence, Department of Post, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Tele communication and some security related sensitive organizations.

There is no such proposal to revamp the payment of pension through Public Sector Banks. However, the data base for the existing pensioners is being updated by the Authorized Banks for pensions’ payment once in a year through master data reconciliation with Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) and from time to time based on the Special Seal Authority (SSA) issued by CPAO to Central Pension Processing Centers (CPPCs) of Banks.

The Authorized Banks submit the report of payment of pension through e-scrolls to CPAO after making the payment of pension. Life Certificate is submitted by the Central Civil Pensioners/ Family Pensioners in the month of November every year and excess payment of pension may happen if the pensioner dies before the coming November, i.e., the next due date of submission of Life Certificate. If excess/ wrong payment of pension is paid to the pensioner by Public Sector Banks then entire amount is recovered by the Banks from the pensioners/ family pensioners as per the guidelines of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in this regard. During the financial year 2016-17, an amount of about Rs. 73 crore was received/ recovered from the Authorized Banks by the Central Pension Accounting Office in respect of central civil pensioners/family pensioners.

Final Monthly collection figures of GST

The revenue collection figures under GST including CGST, SGST, IGST and cess for the period July 2017 – February 2018 paid in the period July 2017 – March 2018 is as follows:

Figures in Rs. Crores)

Besides the above Rs. 27,811 crores were collected as IGST and cess on imports in the month of March. Every month the Department of Revenue released figures for revenue collection under GST which were released usually the day next to the day when settlement of IGST was done. The figures were normally released between 24th-26th of the month. The above figures are month end figures for collection under GST.

PIB

Now 97.05 lakh subscribers base under Atal Pension Yojana

At the end of Financial Year 2017-18, 97.05 lakh subscribers have enrolled under Atal Pension Yojana. The incremental addition of 48.21 lakh subscribers was a 98% more than previous Financial Year 2016-17 figure of 48.83 lakhs. PFRDA appreciates the efforts taken out by the APY Service Providers (Banks/DoP) for their contribution towards making India a Pensioned Society.

PFRDA has taken various initiatives for the expansion of outreach and ease the operations under APY. Online facility to view Statement of Account and ePRAN card was enabled for the ease access of account of APY subscribers, going ahead mobile applications for empowering the subscribers to view transactions and other details of their APY account was introduced. For the convenience of the subscriber and promoting the digital initiatives of GOI, PFRDA introduced the online registration facility through eNPS Channel by login to a website www.enps.nsdl.com without any requirement of physical document.

APY became operational from 1st June, 2015 and is available to all citizens of India in the age group of 18-40 years. Under the scheme, a subscriber would receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs.1000 to Rs.5000 per month, depending upon his contribution, from the age of 60 years. The same pension would be paid to the spouse of the subscriber and on the demise of both the subscriber and spouse, the accumulated pension wealth is returned to the nominee.

Now APY can also be opened through a complete digital channel through eNPS platform. A subscriber can view and print the ePRAN card and Statement of Transactions. Further, the subscriber can register complaints/ grievance by providing his/ her PRAN details on https://npslite-nsdl.com/CRAlite/grievanceSub.do.

Growth of Atal Pension Yojana during the Previous Financial Years