Wednesday 31 March 2021

LTC Special Cash Package Scheme - Clarification regarding dtd 31/03/2021

 LTC Special Cash Package Scheme - Clarification regarding dtd 31/03/2021

Read More ->>

Why Career as LIC Agent

 Why Career as LIC Agent

WHY CAREER AS AN LIC AGENT

  •  You can't achieve what you have not defined.
  •  Success is... Knowing your purpose in Life.
  •  Growing to reach your maximum Potential.
  •  Think about your unique mix of abilities, the resources available to you and the opportunities around you.
  •  Career as a LIC Agent " A Golden Opportunity is waiting for you"

BECOME AN LIC AGENT TODAY, READ BELOW TO KNOW WHY


Read More ->>

Breaking News : Government withdraws small savings scheme interest rate cut

 Breaking News : Government withdraws small savings scheme interest rate cut

The Centre has pulled back its decision to cut interest rates of small savings schemes announced last evening.

The announcement was made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on April 1 on microblogging site Twitter.

Early in the day Sitharaman tweeted: "Interest rates of small savings schemes of GoI shall continue to be at the rates which existed in the last quarter of 2020-2021, ie, rates that prevailed as of March 2021."

She added that the orders, which were "issued by oversight", will be withdrawn

This came after the Ministry of Finance had on March 31 announced a cut in small savings deposit rate from 4 percent to 3.5 percent for the first quarter of the financial year starting April 1, 2021.


Read More ->>

Sunday 28 March 2021

7th Pay Commission: On pending pay fixation of Central Govt Employees in Grade Pay 4600, Modi govt clarifies

 7th Pay Commission: On pending pay fixation of Central Govt Employees in Grade Pay 4600, Modi govt clarifies

 7th Pay Commission: On pending pay fixation of Central Govt Employees in Grade Pay 4600, Modi govt clarifies


7th Pay Commission Latest News: Here’s the latest statement of the Union Government on the question of fixation of basic pay at Rs 18,460 of Central Government Employees who were promoted from Grade of Rs 4200 to Rs 4600 between 01-01-2006 to 29-08-2008

7th Pay Commission Latest News: Here’s the latest statement of the Union Government on the question of fixation of basic pay at Rs 18,460 of Central Government Employees who were promoted from Grade of Rs 4200 to Rs 4600 between 01-01-2006 to 29-08-2008 under the 6th Pay Commission. These employees were promoted as per the order of the Department of Expenditure (DoE) and a judgement of the Supreme Court in the Rajkumar Anand Case in March 2019.

Replying to a query seeking details on the above, the Union Minister of State for For Finance Anurag Thakur told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (March 23, 2021): “Hon’ble Supreme Court vide order-dated 14.03.2019 (in Civil Appeal No.3052/2019 Rajkumar Anand & Ors case) had directed to fix the pay of applicants as per Rule 11 of CCS(RP) 2008 and not at Rs 18460. This order had been implemented by GNCTD (Dte. of Education) in consultation with this Department. This Department has not issued any general orders in this regard.”

Thakur, however, said that the DoE had issued a clarification to DOPT, MEA, Railway Board and AFHQ regarding the manner of fixation of pay of officials promoted as Assistants /PAs between 01.01.2006 and 31.8.2008. It stipulated that their pay will be fixed as per the option exercised by them. In terms of CCS(RP) Rules 2008, these employees/officials have the option to:

(i) either have their pay fixed w.e.f. 01.01.2006 with reference to scale of lower post which they were holding as on 01.01.2006, or

(ii) from the date of promotion which took place after 01.01.2006; in such cases, their pay will be fixed with reference to the Fitment Table of the higher pay scale, however, they will not be entitled to arrears of pay from 01.01.2006 till the date of option.


On the questions of “the reasons for such long pendency in above cases of Central Government employees in contempt to orders of Hon’ble Supreme Court” and “by when basic pay of above officials would be fixed and pendency would be disposed off”, Thakur said that these do not arise in the light of the facts mentioned above.

The questions were asked by Member of Parliament Neeraj Shekhar.

As per the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, the minimum pay of a new government employee at an entry level is Rs 18,000 per month.
Read More ->>

Saturday 27 March 2021

FUNCTIONING OF TRAINING INSTITUTIONS OF CENTRAL / STATE GOVERNMENTS – REVISED SOP: DOPT

 FUNCTIONING OF TRAINING INSTITUTIONS OF CENTRAL / STATE GOVERNMENTS – REVISED SOP: DOPT

No.19011/ 1/2020-TFA
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
(Training Division)

*********

Old JNU Campus, New Delhi
Dated the 25th March, 2021

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Sub: Functioning of Training Institutions of Central / State Governments – Revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – reg.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Home Affairs’ Order No.40-3/ 2020-DM-I(A) dated 27th January, 2021 vide which guidelines for containment of Covid-19 in the country were issued.

2. DoP&T vide its guidelines dated 3rd July, 2020 had permitted functioning of Central and State Training Institutions. As all activities have now been allowed by MHA in terms of its guidelines dated 27th January, 2021, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 3rd July, 2020 has been reviewed and a Revised SOP has now been formulated. In view of the aforesaid, a Revised SOP to be followed by the Training Institutes of Central / State Governments is attached.

3. The Revised SOP (Annexure) supersedes this Department’s OM of even no. dated 3rd July, 2020 and shall be in force until further orders.

Encl: As above.

(D. Ramesh Babu)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Annexure

Sub: Functioning of Training Institutions of Central / State Governments – Revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) – reg.

Ref: Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution as annexed to Ministry of Home Affairs’ Order dated 27.01.2021 and DoPT guidelines of even no. dated 3rd July, 2020.

DoP&T vide its guidelines dated 3rd July, 2020 had permitted functioning of Central and State Training Institutions. As all activities have now been allowed by MHA in terms of its guidelines dated 27th January, 2021, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 3rd July, 2020 has been reviewed and a Revised SOP has now been formulated. The Central and State Training Institutes shall maintain abundant caution and follow strictly the Revised SOP outlined below to avoid spread of Covid-19 during conducting classroom based training classes for trainee officers.

I. General Guidelines

  • While conducting the classroom based training programmes, the Training Institutes shall take all necessary measures to observe Covid-19 compliant behavior and ensure wearing of face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing, as prescribed by Central and State / District Health authorities from time to time.
  • All Class rooms, Staff Rooms, offices, hostels, Corridors, Lobbies, Common areas and washrooms etc. should be thoroughly cleaned / sanitized regularly as per procedure prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • With a view to ensure safety, on best effort basis, the Training Institutes should ensure that the Arogya Setu app is downloaded and installed by all trainees/ other staff and faculty having compatible phones.
  • Training Institutes should notify Nodal Officers for COVID related administrative responsibilities and also constitute Committees with clear demarcation of roles especially for COVID related matters.
  • All the trainees and personnel of the Training Institutes should be encouraged to proactively disclose their health status to the Institute medical authorities.
  • All the required facilities for isolating / quarantining of symptomatic patients and for treating of staff/ faculty/ trainees with flu like symptoms may be ensured, in consultation with Health Departments.
  • Entry of staff, employees, visitors, etc. in the Institute premises should be regulated by way of screening as per the prescribed protocols.
  • Hand sanitizers should be made available at all entry / exit points, outside classrooms, buildings, cafeteria, washrooms and other prominent in the Institute
  • Adequate care should be taken when people belonging to categories that may have a higher health risk participate in the training courses. Such people may include pregnant women; lactating mothers; people with prior medical conditions such as severe asthma or chronic lung disease; high BP; chronic kidney disease; serious heart condition; and any other medical condition that has a potential high risk in the COVID environment in the opinion of a medical expert; and any other category / symptom as notified from time to time.

II. Arrival of trainee officers in Training Institutes

  • The Training Institutes should verify the health status of trainee officers on Arogya SetuApp upon their arrival in the Institute.
  • On arrival in the Training Institute, the Institute will ensure compliance with the quarantine requirement as per the concerned State Government guidelines.
  • Basic screening of trainees should be done on their arrival at the designated locations and only then be allowed to proceed to their allotted rooms in secured and sanitized hostels.
  • Training programmes should be so staggered so that all trainees have sufficient space in the hostel and there is no overcrowding in the hostel or at common facilities.
  • Special emphasis should be placed on frequent sanitization of common facilities/ rooms/ washrooms/ sports area/ restaurants etc.
  • Movement of trainees within the campus should generally be restricted . Avoidable get togethers / group activities should be discouraged.
  • Minimal number of trainees should be accommodated in the dormitories.
  • Separate hostel room should be allotted to each trainee as far as possible. In no case, more than 2 trainees be accommodated in a single hostel room.
  • In case, any trainee develops flu like symptoms or is tested positive for COVID 19, he / she should be immediately shifted to a separate quarantine facility / designated hospital in terms of the protocols issued by the local health authorities.

III. Classroom Sessions

  • The trainees should attend the classrooms while maintaining social distancing, using face masks and observing safety measures as prescribed.
  • Sufficient flow of fresh air / ventilation should be ensured in the lecture halls/ classrooms. Air Conditioners should be sanitized / cleaned as per prescribed guidelines.
  • Time gaps may be provided between the training sessions so as to avoid continuous sittings in the same room.
  • Reading materials and case studies etc. should be made available in advance to the trainees so as to shorten the classroom session time, wherever possible.
  • Tea/ coffee and water etc. should be served in disposable cups/ glasses, as far as possible.
  • Basic screening including temperature scan may be carried out on daily basis for all the officer Trainees attending classes. Trainees found to have temperature above the normal range (that could be because of any kind of flu) may self-isolate themselves till such time COVID 19 infection is ruled out.
  • The trainees kept under quarantine should attend classes virtually from their room.

IV. Physical activities and Outdoors

  • All the indoor facilities like gym, yoga, swimming pool etc. should be operated as per the directions of the Central / State Government.
  • Social / cultural events or gathering or functions may be avoided as far as possible during the training period.
  • Outstation visits may be undertaken only after assessing the COVID 19 situation at the place of travel / halts during journeys and travel related restrictions

V. Mess and Dining:

  • Meal timings may be staggered appropriately with adequate intervals. A suitable time table may be disseminated to all concerned with a view to minimize the time spent in the mess/ dining hall with other trainee officers.
  • Mess supervisors should ensure that all trainees and mess staff wash hands properly before entry into mess/ kitchen. Touch-free hand sanitizers may be installed outside the mess/ dining halls.
  • Sufficient distance should be observed by all while inside the mess/ dining hall. Seating should be so organized that the trainees do not face each other while having their meals.
  • Sharing of utensils-dishes, cups, soaps, towels etc. should be banned.

VI. General

  • The officer trainees may be allowed to go out of the campus or stay outside the campus only with the prior approval of the Course Director or any other officer authorized by the Director of the Institute.
  • Entry of visitors in the Hostel premises should not normally be permitted, except with the prior approval of authority specified by the Director of the Institute.
  • Efforts may be made to make available all the essential items such as stationery, snacks, toiletries, eatables, tea/ coffee etc. within the campus.
  • Immunity boosting products as recommended by the Medical Authorities and M/ o AYUSH should be encouraged for use.
  • While using lifts, the relevant etiquettes for social distancing should be strictly followed.
  • In case a trainee tests positive, sanitization of the area/ Institution may be done as per protocols of Central and State / District Health authorities.
  • As far as possible the staff deputed for hostels / cafeteria / gym / training classes / administration should be provided accommodation to stay within the campus. Entry of outside staff should be restricted in areas · where trainee officers are accommodated / trained.
  • The trainees should be encouraged to take up self-cleaning of their rooms / use washing machines / use Laundromats so as to avoid contacts with others.
  • Decision on physical activities inside the campus may be taken by the Institution depending upon availability of sufficient space, based on the relevant guidelines issued by the concerned State Government / UT Administration.
Read More ->>

Finmin orders – Allocation of Government Business to Private Sector Banks

 Finmin orders – Allocation of Government Business to Private Sector Banks

Office of Controller General of Accounts
Ministry of Finance
Department of Expenditure

Mahalekha Niyantrak Bhawan
E-Block, GPO Complex, INA
New Delhi-110023

No. R-23001/1/2021-GBA-CGA/ 243/292

Dated: 24th March 2021

Office Memorandum

Sub:- Allocation of Government Business to Private Sector Banks —regarding

In continuation of this office OM No. S-11012/3(1)/Ref. Case/2010/RBD/1119-1179 dated 30th June 2015 regarding embargo on further allocation of Government Agency business to Private Sector Banks, it is to inform that now the Department of Financial Services (DFS) vide letter dated 24th February 2021 has decided with the approval of Hon’ble Finance Minister to lift the said embargo. Accordingly, now there is no bar on RBI for authorization of Private Sector Banks for extending Government business including Government agency business.

2. Further, the DFS has clarified that the decision has been taken to ensure a level playing field to all public sector and private sector banks, enhancement of customers convenience, enabling innovation and latest technology in banking sector, and spurring of competition for higher efficiency and increase in standards of customer service, ultimately leading to all-round value creation. The objective is to boost the ease of doing business and ease of living for the public, including retails customers, small and medium enterprises as also for larger corporate, with regard to their Government related banking transactions such as taxes and other revenue payment facilities and many other transactions.

3. DES has also clarified that if the Private Sector Banks lag in performance viz-a- viz the Public Sector Banks in the achievement of implementation of Social Sector Government initiatives through banks, their performance on a matrix of various Government initiatives and schemes may be reviewed from time to time by the Government in consultation with RBI. In case, it is found that there is adverse performance by any Private Sector Bank in the future, then the permission to the concerned bank to undertake Government business could be potentially withdrawn after giving due opportunity to the bank to correct the imbalance.

4. The criteria matrix for initial selection of new private sector banks (except those which are already authorized by RBJ) and criteria for periodical performance evaluation of all Private Sector Banks is being prepared in consultation with field formations and will be circulated shortly.

(Alok Ranjan)
Joint Controller General of Accounts (GBA)


Read More ->>

Salary and service conditions of employees of banks facing privatisation

 Salary and service conditions of employees of banks facing privatisation

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2302

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16TH MARCH 2021/ PHALGUNA 25, 1942 (SAKA)

Salary and service conditions of employees of banks facing privatisation

2302. DR. SANTANU SEN:

Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:

what will happen to the employees of two banks which will be privatised, with regard to salary and service conditions, etc?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE

(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

The Finance Minister, in her speech on the Union Budget for the year 2021-22, announced Government’s intent to take up privatisation of two Public Sector Banks and approval of a policy of strategic disinvestment of Public Sector Enterprises (PSE). As per the New PSE policy for Atmanirbhar Bharat issued by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, recommendations shall be made by NITI Aayog with regard to Central PSEs under Strategic Sectors, which includes the Banking, Insurance and Financial Services Sector, and recommendations shall be considered and Central PSEs to be, inter alia, retained under Government control or considered for privatisation or merger or subsidiarisation with another PSE shall be approved by an Alternative Mechanism that has been approved by the Government.

Once a view is taken with regard to a particular enterprise to be privatised, material issues pertaining to various stakeholders, including employees and the terms and conditions of their service, are considered. While considering employee matters, relevant factors such as their existing terms and conditions of employment, applicable laws and policies, employees’ interest, and the objective of the new policy of ensuring post-disinvestment growth of the enterprise through private capital etc. are duly taken into account while taking a decision in the matter.

No proposal is currently under consideration of the said Alternative Mechanism.

Read More ->>

UPU’s Customs Declaration System improves data quality and reduces labour

 UPU’s Customs Declaration System improves data quality and reduces labour

 


The UPU’s Customs Declaration System (CDS), developed by the Postal Technology Centre (PTC), facilitates the capture of electronic customs declarations made by the customers of posts, and exchanges of electronic data interchange (EDI) messages between designated operators and between designated operators and customs authorities. 

The customs declarations stored in CDS are converted into EDI messages (ITMATT) and sent from the sending designated operator to the destination designated operator.
 
Each operator forwards, through EDI messages, the declarations to their customs authority for risk and fiscal assessment. CDS includes the latest version of the EDI messages developed by the UPU and World Customs Organization (WCO).

Stéphane Herrmann, technical account manager, UPU, says, “The first version of CDS was released in 2012 when Canada Post requested the PTC to develop a solution for the exchange of ITMATT messages with other designated operators. They wanted a software that could integrate with their other applications in a new fully automated office of exchange. Today CDS is used in production by 88 designated operators.”
 
Over the years, the PTC has regularly enriched the application following operator feedback. “This includes enhancements of functionalities to adapt with national or regional rules. Demand for the CDS accelerated in 2019/2020, as sending ITMATT messages became mandatory from January 1, 2021,” Herrmann adds.
 
CDS is easy to implement and interfaces with the International Postal System (IPS) mail management software developed by the PTC and used by more than 180 designated operators. “CDS can also interface with any mail management application used by designated operators or application used by customs authorities,” Herrmann adds. 
 
CDS can be deployed in three types of architecture – as a software solution, a web version, or a cloud-based solution. In order to facilitate the capture of customs declarations, the PTC has developed the ‘Kiosk’ – a webpage that contains a customs declaration form, and the Electronic Advance Data Customs Declarations application for Android and iOS. The customs declarations captured through the Kiosk and the mobile applications are stored in the CDS.
 
According to feedback from operators and customs, CDS has helped achieve fewer inspections and faster customs clearance, improved data quality and reduced manual work. “Having one application such as CDS for posts and customs allows real time information sharing,” Herrmann adds. “We are currently about to release the next version of the system, CDS 2021. This will include two additional UPU EDI messages: ITMREF and REFRSP.”

Read More ->>

Local officiating arrangement in AO cadre from amongst eligible AAOs -reg

 Local officiating arrangement in AO cadre from amongst eligible AAOs -reg


Read More ->>

ACC approved appointment of Shri Vineet Pandey, DGPS as Secretary DOP

 ACC approved appointment of Shri Vineet Pandey, DGPS as Secretary DOP

ACC approved appointment of Shri Vineet Pandey, DGPS as Secretary DOP


Read More ->>

Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme to Central Government Civil Employees, clarification on approval of recommendations of Screening Committee

 Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) Scheme to Central Government Civil Employees, clarification on approval of recommendations of Screening Committee



Read More ->>

Friday 26 March 2021

Raising of Maximum Age Limit for Job Aspirants

 Raising of Maximum Age Limit for Job Aspirants

 
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Raising of Maximum Age Limit for Job Aspirants

Posted On: 25 MAR 2021 12:29PM by PIB Delhi


For recruitment to Central Government posts, the recruiting agencies, such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), have been making necessary arrangements for conduct of examinations in a safe manner considering the COVID-19 Pandemic safety protocols. While conducting Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2020 on 04.10.2020, the UPSC also gave an option to the candidates to change the centre for Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination-2020 so that candidates who had moved to a different location before/during the COVID-19 pandemic could also appear in the Examination. As such, the need for increasing the maximum age limit for recruitment to various categories of posts under the Central Government, due to the pandemic and lockdown in the country, does not arise. Insofar as the increase in maximum age limit by two years for all the eligible unemployed youths, who are seeking State Government jobs is concerned, it is for the concerned State Governments to decide.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to questions in Rajya Sabha today.
Read More ->>

IPPB in the country : Rajya Sabha (Q & A), dtd 25/03/2021

 IPPB in the country : Rajya Sabha (Q & A), dtd 25/03/2021

IPPB in the country : Rajya Sabha (Q & A), dtd 25/03/2021

Read More ->>