GOVERNMENT LIKELY TO MAKE " NPS " MORE ATTRACTIVE.

The Cabinet is likely to approve three amendments proposed in the Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill, the law relate to New Pension Scheme (NPS). Central Government Employees who joined in Government Service on or after 01.01.2004 are under NPS. This pension scheme has also been extended to all Indian Citizens.

The Cabinet will meet to move amendments to the Pension Fund

Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill. According to reports, three changes are being made to PFRDA Bill.

•  The first amendment will reportedly allow contributor to withdraw funds from the pension scheme in case of an emergency. The present law does not provide for withdrawing funds for emergency purposes from NPS.
•  Also, the subscriber will be reportedly given a minimal assured return for the investment in his fund. Since NPS is market related there is no minimum return assurance so far.
•  The third amendment reportedly says there will be a 26 per cent cap on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the scheme. Earlier, the cap was not specified. The BJP has been demanding the FDI cap of 26 per cent to be included in the PFRDA Bill.

The pension bill or the PFRDA Bill suggests changes to how savings of nearly 25 lakh Indians are invested. Currently, these savings are invested in government securities that offer a fixed rate of return. The new bill allows pension funds flexibility on appointing a professional fund management company and lays down roles and responsibilities.

"POSTMAN",BRAND BICYCLE- COMMING SOON !

DG(POSTS) No 1-6/2011                                                               Dated 04^th June 2012

            The Department intends to provide specially designed bicycles to the Postmen all over the country during 12^th Five Year Plan to help delivery staff carrying the mail of various sizes of articles in their beats for delivery to the public.

            It is proposed to design and develop the box of fiberglass or any other light weight durable material for carrying the mail/articles to be attached with the postal bicycle.

            A committee has been constituted comprising of PMG, Agra Region, Agra as a Chairperson, Director Postal Service (Mails & Speed post), O/o CPMG, Delhi Circle, Director (MV), Mail Business Dn. Postal Directorate and two representative of recognized postmen service unions, Shri. I.S.Dabas, General Secretary, AIPE, Postman & Group 'D', NFPE and Shri T.N. Rahate, General Secretary, N.U.Federation of National Postal Organizations are nominated as members who will look into the design, development of the bag/box of fiberglass/PBC or any other light weight durable material for carrying the mail/articles to be provided  with the postman bicycles.  The bicycles design should also look like as the brand ambassador of Department of Posts.

            The committee will submit their report within 3 months.

Charge sheet can’t be quashed in a casual manner: SC

New Delhi, June 4, 2012 (PTI): A charge sheet filed in departmental proceeding cannot be quashed by courts unless it adversely affects the rights of the aggrieved employee, the Supreme Court has held. 

“In fact, charge sheet does not infringe the right of a party. It is only when a final order imposing the punishment or otherwise adversely affecting a party is passed, it may have a grievance and cause of action.

“Thus, a charge sheet or show cause notice in disciplinary proceedings should not ordinarily be quashed by the court,” said a bench of justices B S Chauhan and Dipak Misra, in an order.

The bench passed the order while disposing of an appeal by the Ministry of Defence challenging a Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) order quashing the charge sheet against one Prabhash Chandra Mirdha in a two-decade old bribery case.

“Law does not permit quashing of charge sheet in a routine manner. In case the delinquent employee has any grievance in respect of the charge sheet, he must raise the issue by filing a representation and wait for the decision of the disciplinary authority thereon.

“In case the charge sheet is challenged before a court/ tribunal on the ground of delay in initiation of disciplinary proceedings or delay in concluding the proceedings, the court/ tribunal may quash the charge sheet after considering the gravity of the charge and all relevant factors involved in the case after weighing all the facts, both for and against the delinquent employee, and must reach the conclusion which is just and proper in the circumstance,” the bench said.

The bench said charge sheet cannot generally be a subject matter of challenge as it does not adversely affect the rights of the delinquent unless it is established that the same has been issued by an authority not competent to initiate the disciplinary proceedings.

Transfer & Postings in the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) of Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’

 The following transfer/postings in the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) of Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’ has been ordered vide Department of Posts (Personnel Division) Memo No. 1-1/2009-SPG dated 4^th June, 2012.

Sl. No.	Name & Batch of the Officer	Present Posting	Posting on Transfer
1.	Shri S.K. Chakrabarti (IPoS-1978)	CPMG, West Bengal Circle, Kolkata	CPMG, Odisha Circle, Bhubnaeswar
2.	Ms. Humera Ahmed(IPoS-1979)	CPMG, Maharastra Circle, Mumbai	CPMG, West Bengal Circle, Kolkata
3.	Shri A.K. Sharma (IPoS-1981)	CPMG, Odisha Circle, Bhubnaeswar	CPMG, Maharastra Circle, Mumbai

GS writes to DG (Posts) on Unrealistic Recruitment procedure for GDS BPM / Other GDS employees ordered by CPMG, Odisha.

No. CHQ/AIAIPASP/GDS/Odisha/2012                    Dated :        26/5/2012.

To,

Ms. Manjula Prasher,

Director General (Posts),

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,

New Delhi 110 001.

Subject :     Unrealistic Recruitment procedure for GDS BPM / Other GDS

                   employees ordered by CPMG, Odisha.  

Respected Madam,

This Association is constrained to bring to your kind notice that, some Circles have started devising new procedures on their ‘own’ for selection of GDS employees outside the method incorporated in “Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2011”. In the name of making the selection process transparent by imposing some additional and extra procedure outside the provisions of “Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2011” without taking into consideration the ground realities and practical problems to be faced by recruiting / appointing authorities. For example, CPMG, Odisha Circle vide his letter No. No.EST/1-3/19/GDS/2010 dated 26/04/2012 (copy enclosed) has prescribed the following method as per the decision taken in their CMC meeting held on 20/4/2012.

          “At the Divisional level all the Registered Letters (RLs) containing application forms shall be opened and scrutinized in presence of the applicants on prior intimation to the applicants who desire to be present on the date of scrutiny”.

          The applications shall be scrutinized by the Appointing Authority who may take the help of two more Members/Officers for scrutiny of the applications by constituting a committee of following officers.

i)                     Composition of committee for GDS BPM :

SSPOs/SPOs of parent Division, one SSPOs/SPOs of the neighboring Division and one ASPOs of neighboring Division out of which one member must belong to SC/ST community.

ii)                   For other category GDS:

IP/ASP I/c of the parent Sub-Division, two IP/ASP of neighbouring Sub-Division out of which one member must belong to SC/ST community.”

         

          This Association is not against anything that the Directorate thinks proper to implement to make the recruitment process of GDS employees transparent like a crystal.  We would like to mention here that, in the name of transparency Chief PMG Odisha has prescribed a method which is impractical, unrealistic and hitherto unheard of. As per the method prescribed by Chief PMG Odisha, the Registered Letters (RLs) containing applications of the candidates will be opened in presence of the candidates who will be specifically called by the Recruiting Authority for this purpose. Inviting the candidates to be present while opening their applications is something unusual. It is something like opening of tenders in presence of the bidders. Given the number of applicants applying for the GDS posts now-a-days the procedure, if implemented will create a scene like people in fish market. Further, influence of muscle power and political pressure on the spot can not be ruled out. The Circle Branch of this Association has already taken up this matter with the Hon’ble Chief PMG, Odisha, but nothing fruitful has emerged so far.

          It has come to the notice of this Association that Circles are devising different methods on their own which are outside the “Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2011”. In the name of transparency, Circles are imposing whimsical decision of recruiting authorities without taking into consideration the practical problems etc. Secondly, CMC has no authority to decide such thing in a matter which will violate the uniformity in Recruitment process of GDSs through-out the country.

          This Association therefore strongly protests against the unrealistic and un-uniformed methods adopted by Odisha Circle in the matter of recruitment of GDS and requests your kind honour to issue necessary directions to Chief PMG, Odisha Circle to withdraw the unrealistic method prescribed by him and follow the instructions in the matter issued by Directorate from time to time.

          A positive action will be highly appreciated.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,

(Vilas Ingale)

General Secretary

  

Copy to:

Sri A. K. Sharma, Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle, Bhubaneshwar  for kind information and necessary action.

India Post turns to small ventures to stay in business

Vetrivelan S, a 45-year-old businessman from Kancheepuram, has memories of hanging on the gate of his house during the afternoons, waiting for the postman to arrive. "It was my job to pick up letters for my grandmother," he said. "She would eagerly wait for letters from her four sisters who were settled in other parts of the state. The postman would arrive, enquire about her sisters from my grandmother and then leave. He knew everybody in that area."
Today, Vetrivel cannot remember the last time he saw a postman or stepped into the post office, except two months ago, when the local post offices in Kancheepuram district began selling solar lamps. "With six-hour-long power cuts, it was difficult for my daughter to study for her school exams in March," he said. "I heard the post office was selling solar lamps and I bought two of them."

The image of India Post is slowly undergoing a change as the department is now expanding its business to tie-up with small ventures and provide an outlet for sale of their products. With emails and electronic banking becoming all too common, the age of the postman is dying out. With their primary source of revenue drying up, the postal department is now looking at other avenues to fill their coffers.

"So far we have been relying on bulk mail and corporate mail orders," said an official. "But of late we have even seen a dip in the number of our savings account holders."
Small savings accounts in rural post offices were a keystone to the department's policy and the department had the largest number of savings accounts across the country. However, this too has now been impacted due to a change in government policy, added the official. "A few months ago, the Reserve Bank of India changed the interest rates of savings account from fixed rates to floating rates. However, this is not applicable for postal accounts. Added to that are electronic services that banks provide. As a result, we have lost 40% of our account holders."
India Post has only recently begun installing ATM facilities at some its head post offices. But it may be a case of too little too late. Pushed to a corner, the department is now looking at other innovative ways to woo their customers back. "Hence the tie-up with small ventures," he said. "The solar lamps sold very well in Kancheepuram and we are looking at similar ventures. Our primary advantage still remains in our rural network and we will put that to use."

(source: "THE TIMES OF INDIA")

WHO IS THE APPELLATE AUTHORITY ?

"The work of a system administrator is really very challenging" , is now admitted by the higher authorities of Odisha Postal Circle. Their hard work,dedication,devotion has been highly appreciated by the authorities.And also O/o the PMG headquarters region has made a very clear intention to felicitate each and every SAs of every division with Rs. 4000/- only as token of appreciation. And almost all the SAs have already drawn their prize money. But perhaps Puri Division holds some different view regarding the felicitation of SAs.Because of which the said division has not submitted the names of the SAs before the given deadline. At last after repeated phonic instruction from the CO,the division submitted 7names ( 6 ,six front line SAs and one reserve SA)  for the claim. Here one thing can be mentioned that, before 6 months ago when the Department ordered to computerize all single handed SOs ,it is the SAs of Puri division who worked beyond their capacity and made the divisional TO branch first in computerization of all SOs of the division.And also CPMG of orissa circle of that time had praised the Division over that success through an email. But it is the narrow mindedness of the division that neither the TO branch nor the divil. heads have told a single word in this regard to any SAs.Whenever any difficulties arises DO just transfers the duty to the SA. But after the successful completion of work nobody shares the difficulties of the SA to do the assigned work in time. In fact the DO considers the SAs as orderly labourers. Puri division SAs are helpless,readers are the supreme judge. please tell " Who is the appellate authority"

AIRF: MACP anomalies to be settled in the next meeting of National Anomaly Committee

AIRF: MACP anomalies to be settled in the next meeting of National Anomaly Committee

All India Railwaymen Federation General Secretary and one of the member of National Anomaly Committee Shri.Shiv Gopal Mishra has written a letter to the Secretary of DOPT pertaining to the issues pending before the National Anomaly Committee. He expressed in that letter that the long and large number of pending issues has created frustration among all the Central Government employees, particularly Railwaymen. He further stated, need immediate settlement of the long pending anomalies in the next meeting.

The following anomalies are pending and to be settled…


Pay fixation of promotees at the minimum of the grade at par with Direct Recruits.

Treatment of employees selected under LDCE/GDCE at par with direct recruits and their earlier promotions/services rendered should be ignored for the purpose of MACPs as was being done in ACP Scheme

Treatment of GP Rs 5400 in PB-2 & GP Rs. 5400 in PB-3 should be treated as same grade pays for the purpose of MACPs

Stepping-up of benefits to the seniors from their juniors

Benefit of one increment in case of status promotion, e.g. MCM, Loco Running Staff, S.M, P. Way Supervisors, etc.

Allotment of Grade Pay Rs.4800 to the Supervisors of the apex grade

Counting of training period and abolition of Grade Pay Rs.2000 for the purpose of financial upgradation under MACP Scheme

Date of effect of MACPS form 1.1.2006 instead of 1.9.2008 etc.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING DATED 21.05.2012 TAKEN BY SECRETARY (POSTS) WITH POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION (PJCA) COMPRISING OF FNPO,NFPE AND ITS AFFILIATED ASSOCIATIONS.

Subject:-  Minutes of the meeting taken by Secretary (P) with Postal Joint Council of Action on 21.05.2012 at 11 hrs. in Dak Bhawan.

            D.G. Posts No. 8/15/2011-SR (ATR)                 Dated: -    ^thMay, 2012

            Please find enclosed minutes of the meeting taken by Secretary (P) with Postal Joint Council of Action on 21.05.2012 at 11 hrs. in Dak Bhawan.

 

2.         It is requested to take necessary follow up action urgently under intimation to SR Section. 

(Subhash Chander)

Director (SR & Legal)

To

1. CGM (PLI)/ CGM(BD&M)/ CGM (MB & O)/ DDG(Estt.)/ DDG(P)/

DDG(RB)/ DDG(E&MM)/ DDG(FS)/ DDG(PAF)/ DDG(R&P)/

CE(Civil)

2. PPS to Secretary (Posts) / Sr.PPS/PPS to Member (P)/

Member(O)/ Member(Plg.)/ Member(Tech.)/ JSFA

3. Shri M. Krishnan, Secretary General, NFPE

4. Shri D. Theagarajan, Secretary General, FNPO

5. General Secretaries of the Unions constituent to the PJCA

MINUTES OF THE MEETING DATED 21.05.2012 TAKEN BY SECRETARY (POSTS) WITH POSTAL JOINT COUNCIL OF ACTION (PJCA) COMPRISING OF NFPE, FNPO AND ITS AFFILIATED ASSOCIATIONS.

            Secretary (Posts) took a meeting with PJCA on 21.05.2012 to take stock of the follow up action in regard to the discussions held in the meetings dated 10.01.2012 and 12.01.2012.

            The gist of discussions, ad seriatim, is as follows:

1.         Separate orders communicating the decision that no mail office will be closed for next three years and no dislocation of staff to places outside headquarters.

            Instructions issued vide letter No.28-8/2011-D dated 14.05.2012.  Further discussions in this regard to be held with Member (Operations) on 29.05.2012 (AN).

2.         Orders communicating the decisions about no closure/merger of post offices if no simultaneous relocation is possible.

            As discussed, a copy of the instructions issued vide letter No.40-6/2011-Plg (A) dated 21.2.2012 has been made available to PJCA.   

3.         Revision of wages of casual labourers and absorption.

            A comprehensive proposal in the matter of casual labourers will be formulated by 30^th June 2012.

4.         Revised recruitment rules for group-D & postman as agreed and syllabus for group-D examination (25% from GDS) & Postmen/Mailguard.

            Revised rules of recruitment for group-D and Postmen will be notified shortly.

5.         Revision of cash handling norms to GDS & ensuring no reduction of TRCA under any circumstances and enhancing the Bonus ceiling to 3500/- & revise the cash allowance to BPM at the rate of Rs.50/- per trip instead of month.

            The issue regarding non reduction of TRCA is under active consideration of the Department.  The issue of bonus ceiling in respect of GDS has not found favour with the Ministry of Finance. The revision of cash allowance of BPM is being processed.

6.         Orders revising the instructions liberalizing the powers to the divisional heads instead of circle heads in case of tenure posting to C and B class offices.

            The order will be issued shortly.

7.         Reiteration of earlier instructions on the grant of special pay to unqualified Accountants & Counting of Special Allowance for pay fixation without filing SLP against Bangalore High Court judgment.

            In the wake of advice of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, there is no alternative but to file an SLP in the Apex Court.

8.         Circulation of clarification given to Punjab Circle to the remaining circles also in respect of protection of pay of defunct PO & RMS Accountants.

            The Integrated Finance Wing (IFW) has sought some further inputs on the issue and action is being taken thereon.  Once it is cleared by the IFW, it will be circulates to all heads of circles.

9.         Orders on forcible allotment of staff quarters to the town SOs SPMs as post attached quarters.

            Instructions have been issued vide letter No.18-9/2010-Bldg. dated 10.5.2012.

10.       Non supply of balance statement of NPS to the official as on 31.3.2012.

            The PJCA was informed that the statement of transactions of the subscriber for the period from 1.4.2010 to 30.6.2011 had already been dispatched to the subscribers in the form approved by PFRDA by NSDL, Mumbai vide letter dated 19.9.2011 and information in this regard was sent to all Directors of Accounts (Postal) vide letter dated 18.11.2011.  The contention of the PJCA was that no such statement was received by the subscribers till date.   The matter will be checked up with Postal Accounts Wing again and further clarification in this regard will be sent to the PJCA shortly.

11.       Enhancement of financial powers to LSG, HSG II and HSG I.

            The proposal is under examination in consultation with the Integrated Finance   Wing.

12.       Enhancing the honorarium of invigilators engaged in departmental examinations.

            The rates for honorarium for invigilators were revised vide letter dated 26.4.2011.

13.       Allowing the physically handicapped candidates for appearing in IPO examinations.

            The issue is under active consideration in consultation with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

14.       Orders on drawal of Cash handling allowance to Treasurers, Accountants irrespective of their position in MACP.

            The PJCA was informed that a reference in this regard had been made to the Department of Personnel and Training.  However, their contention was that it being a case of financial upgradation,  the proposal should not have been referred to the DOPT.  The position will be checked up for further course of action.

15.       Finalisation of cadre review proposals before 31.3.2012.

            It was decided to formulate a proposal by 30^th June 2012 for further examination in consultation with the nodal ministries. 

16.       Payment of incentive instead of honorarium for attending the PLI/RPLI work at divisional offices after decentralization. 

The issue of payment of incentive is under process and PLI Directorate is being asked to get it expedited.

17.       Orders for repatriation of officials deputed for PLI/RPLI work to CO/RO to their home divisions. 

            Suitable instructions in this regard have already been issued to heads of circles.  However, the view point of the PJCA was that  instead of only forwarding the minutes of the meeting,  the PLI Directorate should have issued detailed instructions clearly spelling out the course of action to be taken by the heads of circles  in this regard as well as in regard to decentralization of PLI, RPLI work.   PLI Dte. will be asked to do the needful.

18.       Allowing the Postmaster’s cadre officials to appear for IPO/PSS Group-B examination. 

            The issued was discussed at length and it was decided to review it after some time keeping in view the merits and demerits of the proposal as well as the response of the officials opting for Postmasters cadre.

19.       Orders permitting the Postmaster cadre officials to officiate in HSG-I vacancies.

            The issue was discussed at length and it was decided to review it after some time keeping in view the merits and demerits of the proposal as well as the response of the officials opting for Postmasters cadre.

20.       D.O  letter from Member (P) to all circle heads to fill up all posts of Sorting Postmen, Mail Overseer, Cash Overseer & Head Postmen.

            Instructions were issued vide Member (P)’s D.O. letter No. 37-4/2012/SPB-I          dated 19.4.2012.

21.       Allowing MTS to decline promotion to postmen cadre under  seniority quota without losing MACP promotion. 

            Suitable instructions in this regard will be issued shortly.

22.       Reiteration of instruction for rotational transfer for SBCO staff by notifying cluster of divisions.

            Instructions issued vide letter No. 141-91/2012-SPB-II dated 2.4.2012.

23.       Issue instructions to all for ensuring filling up of all sanctioned LR posts.

            It was decided to examine the matter in consultation with all heads of circles with           an idea to have a clear picture of sanctioned LR posts, in the first instance.

24.       Prompt grant of child care leave – issue of instructions.

            Instructions reiterated vide letter No. 51-3/2011/SPB-2 dated 10.5.2012.

25.       Clarifications to be issued on MACP as agreed upon on the following:

(i) MACP will not be deferred on the ground of contemplated disciplinary/vigilance proceedings.

(ii) Instructions on review of ACRs/APARs by scrutiny committees.

(iii) Recovery orders by DA(P) in the matter of pay fixation on MACP in case of MTS.

(i) Cases relating to declining promotion prior to issue of MACP order (prior to 2009).

            Suitable instructions regarding (i) above are under issue.  Instructions regarding (ii) have already been issued.  The issues raised at serial number (iii) (iv) are under examination.  The PJCA requested for issue of an early order in respect of cases where the officials declined promotion prior to issue of MACP order in 2009.

26.       Issuing clear instructions to all CPMGs that in the city areas where RO/COs are situated decentralization of RPLI/PLI should not be done to city Postal Divisions, instead the work will be done by RO/CO staff as done before.

            The PLI Directorate will be asked to issue detailed instructions in the matter of decentralization of PLI/RPLI instead of merely forwarding the minutes of the meeting.

27.       Issuing orders on the items finalized by the Postmen committee and also follow up action on certain items to be referred to work study unit.

            A committee constituted to consider the issues relating to Postmen has already submitted the report.  The recommendations of the committee are under process. 

28.       Cadre-structuring and settlement of Group-D and Sorter anomaly issues relating to Postal Accounts. 

            The matter will be pursued further with Postal Accounts Wing and Establishment Division and the PJCA will be kept apprised of the progress in this regard.

29.       Follow up action on civil wing employees issues.

            The recruitment rules are presently pending with Ministry of Law and Justice.  Will be notified immediately after it is cleared and further action to fill up the posts will be taken.

30.       Examination of CRC & EPP norms.

            It was decided to have a meeting with Member (Operations) on 29.5.2012 (AN) to discuss the norms.

            Before concluding the deliberations, Secretary (Posts) brought to the notice of the PJCA about the serious problem which Department is facing in the form of abstraction  of articles from Postal parcels and regarding delayed dispatch, mis-sorting & delivery of Speed Post articles.  The PJCA was informed that lot of complaints have come from Hon’ble Members of Parliament also through news papers alleging abstraction of articles by Postal employees which is adversely affecting the image of the Department,  besides affecting parcel post traffic.  Secretary (Posts) desired all members of PJCA may advise the employees of the Department to desist  from adopting such anti departmental activities, which are detrimental to both the Department as well as its employees during course of their meetings/conferences and consultations etc.

            The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair.

Job Highlights (26 May - 01 Jun 2012)

1. Uco Bank invites applications for recruitment of 1000 Clerks. Last date for online Registration : 02.06.2012.
2. Steel Authority of India Limited, Burnpur invites applications for 507 non-executive posts. Last Date : 21.06.2012.
3. Headquarter Southern Naval Command, Kochi requires 399 Safaiwalas, unskilled Labourers, Fireman Watchman, Mali, Peon etc. Last Date: 21 days after publication
4. Mahanadi Coalfields Limited requires 353 Jr. Overman, Mining Sirdar and Deputy Surveyor. Last Date : 11.06.2012
5. Assam Rifles invites applications for recruitment of 242 Tradesmen. Last Date : 19.06.2012.
6. Bipin Tripathi Kumaon Institute of Technology Dwarahat requires 44 Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors. Last Date: 18.06.2012
7. 17 Field Ammunitions Depot C/o 56 APO requires 44 Fireman and Mazdoors. Last Date : 21 days after publication.
8. Border Security Force requires 37 Para-medical Staff. Last Date : 30 days after publication.
9. Mata Sundari College for Women, New Delhi needs 25 Assistant Professors/Lecturers. Last Date : 20.06.2012
10. The Indian Navy invites applications from unmarried male candidate for enrolment as Sailors for Senior Secondary Recruits (SSR)-01/2013 Batch. Last Date : 22.06.2012.
    
    
    source :( http://employmentnews.gov.in/)

Centre has no proposal to extend CGHS to new cities

When answering the question in Lok Sabha regarding the subject of CGHS covered cities, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri.Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the at present no proposal to expand CGHS to new locations due to severe resource constraints, especially the acute shortage of qualified medical and paramedical professionals, besides financial and logistic constraints.

Now, the medical scheme of CGHS is functional in 18 states and 2 Union Territories of the country and 10 states are not covered under CGHS.



Particularly Goa and Chhattisgarh are not covered under CGHS. There is, at present no proposal to expand CGHS to new locations due to severe resource constraints, especially the acute shortage of qualified medical and paramedical professionals, besides financial and logistic constraints.

Resolution - General Provident Fund interest rate raised to 8.8% for 2012-13

In a move which will benefit millions of employees, the government has hiked interest rate on contributions to General Provident Fund (GPF) and other similar funds to 8.8 per cent for 2012-13. 

The interest rate on such funds was 8.6 per cent during December 2011-March 2012 period, while it was 8 per cent for April-November 2011. 

"It is announced ... that during the year 2012-13, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 8.8 per cent per annum," the Finance Ministry said. 

The benefit of increased interest rate will be available to subscribers of Contributory Provident Fund (India), All India Services Provident Fund, State Railway Provident Fund and General Provident Fund (Defence Services). 

Contributors to Indian Ordnance Department Provident Fund, Indian Ordnance Factories Workmen's Provident Fund, Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen's Provident Fund, Defence Services Officers Provident Fund and Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund will also benefit from the move. 

Rate of interest on GPF is generally fixed after taking into consideration the average secondary market yields on government securities of similar maturity. 

TO VIEW THE ORDER CLICK HERE

Will AADHAR card loss its identity ? NPR Card will be New identity Card For Indian Citizens

What is the National Population Register ( N.P.R)? What is its use? 

         

                                                              The NPR would be a Register of usual residents of the country. The NPR will be a comprehensive identity database that would help in better targeting of the benefits and services under the Government schemes/programmes, improve planning and help strengthen security of the country. This is being done for the first time in the country.

NPR Process:

Details such as Name, Date of Birth, Sex, Present Address, Permanent Address, Names of Father, Mother and Spouse etc will be gathered by visiting each and every household. All usual residents will be eligible to be included irrespective of their Nationality. Each and every household will be given an Acknowledgement Slip at the time of enumeration. The data will then be entered into computers in the local language of the State as well as in English. Once this database has been created, biometrics such as photograph, 10 fingerprints and probably Iris information will be added for all persons aged 15 years and above. This will be done by arranging camps at every village and at the ward level in every town. Each household will be required to bring the Acknowledgement Slip to such camps. Those who miss these camps will be given the opportunity to present themselves at permanent NPR Centres to be set up at the Tehsil/Town level. In the next step, data will be printed out and displayed at prominent places within the village and ward for the public to see. Objections will be sought and registered at this stage. Each of these objections will then be enquired into by the local Revenue Department Officer and a proper disposal given in writing. Persons aggrieved by such order have a right of appeal to the Tehsildar and then to the District Collector. Once this process is over, the lists will be placed in the Gram Sabha in villages and the Ward Committee in towns. Claims and Objections will be received at this stage also and dealt with in the same manner described above. The Gram Sabha/Ward Committee has to give its clearance or objection within a fixed period of time after which it will be deemed that the lists have been cleared. The lists thus authenticated will then be sent to the Unique Identity Authority of India (UIDAI) for de-duplication and issue of UID Numbers. All duplicates will be eliminated at this stage based on comparison of biometrics. Unique ID numbers will also be generated for every person. The cleaned database along with the UID Number will then be sent back to the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India (ORG&CCI) and would form the National Population Register. As the UID system works on the basis of biometric de-duplication, in the case of persons of age 15 years and above (for whom biometrics is available), the UID Number will be available for each individual. For those below the age of 15 years (for whom biometrics is not available), the UID Number will be linked to the parent or guardian.

Will an Identity Card be given? 

The National Population Register would have the data of every person enumerated during the Census operations irrespective of age. It would also have the biometric data and UID Number of every person of age 15 years and above. National Identity Cards will be given in a phased manner to all usual residents by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. The issue of Cards will be done in Coastal Villages to start with. After this the coastal Towns will be covered and so on till the entire country is covered.

Who will collect the Information? 

Government servants duly appointed as Enumerators will visit each and every house and collect the information required. They will carry an Identity Card as well as an Appointment Letter. In case of need you may ask them to show these documents. The local Tahsildar can also be contacted in this regard.

What information will be collected? 

Two Forms will be canvassed in each household. The first relates to the Houselisting and Housing Census. In this, 35 questions relating to Building material, Use of Houses, Drinking water, Availability and type of latrines, Electricity, possession of assets etc. will be canvassed.

The second form relates to the National Population Register. In this the following will be canvassed:

* Name of the Person

* Gender

* Date of Birth

* Place of Birth

* Marital Status

* Name of Father

* Name of Mother

* Name of Spouse

* Present Address

* Duration of stay at Present Address

* Permanent Address

* Occupation

* Nationality as Declared

* Educational Qualification

* Relationship to Head of family

Will my Information be disclosed to anybody? 

All information collected under the Census is confidential and will not be shared with any agency - Government or private. Certain information collected under the NPR will be published in the local areas for public scrutiny and invitation of objections. This is in the nature of the electoral roll or the telephone directory. After the NPR has been finalised, the database will be used only within the Government.

Whom do I contact in case my house is not covered? 

The local Tehsildar/Ward Officer of your area is the designated officer. In case of need you can also contact the Collector/DC/DM of your District or the Commissioner of your Town. You can also intimate us over e mail or contact us over the toll free number given in this website.

How do I ensure that the information given by me is being correctly entered? 

The NPR form has to be signed by you. In case you require, ask the Enumerator to read it out to you and then affix your signature/thumb impression. In any case do ascertain that the details are correctly entered.

Do I need to show any documents to the enumerator? 

The enumerator will take down all particulars as given by you. You are not required to show any proof. However, be cautioned that it is expected that you will provide correct and authentic information. You are also signing to this effect. The provision of false information can invite penalties under the Census and Citizenship Acts.

What is the Link between NPR and Unique ID Authority of India (UIDAI)? 

The data collected in the NPR will be subjected to de-duplication by the UIDAI. After de-duplication, the UIDAI will issue a UID Number. This UID Number will be part of the NPR and the NPR Cards will bear this UID Number. The maintenance of the NPR database and updating subsequently will be done by the Office of Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India.

How people working abroad will be registered in National Population Register? 

This is a Register of Usual Residents. If a person is staying at a particular place in India for 6 months in the past one-year or intends to stay there(in India) for at least 6 months in the future, they will be covered. If you are not a usual resident you will not be included in the NPR.

Can I send my census/NPR information electronically ? 

No, however you can download blank schedules from census website from schedule section and keep the information ready. This may help Enumerators when he/she will come to your place for collecting/recording the information in the actual schedules especially designed for the census/NPR.