8th CPC: CONFUSED On Whether Retired Employees Will NOT Get DA Hike
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Saturday, 31 May 2025
Friday, 30 May 2025
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 34TH SCOVA HELD ON 11.03.2025 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF HON'BLE MOS (PP) AT VIGYAN BHAWAN
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 34TH SCOVA HELD ON 11.03.2025 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF HON'BLE MOS (PP) AT VIGYAN BHAWAN
No. 4/14/2025-P&PW(D)/E-10522
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare
*******
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan
Khan Market, New Delhi- 110003
ssDate: - 25.03.2025
To
All the Pensioners' Associations included in SCOVA
Vide Resolution dated 26.09.2023
Sub: - Minutes of the 34th SCOVA meeting held under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble MOS(PP) on 11.03.2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi-reg
Please find enclosed herewith the minutes of the 34th Meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble MoS (PP) on 11.03.2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi for compliance and necessary action.
Balu E13.9025
(Dilip Kumar Sanu)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 34TH SCOVA HELD ON 11.03.2025 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF HON'BLE MOS (PP) AT VIGYAN BHAWAN (ANNEXE)
*****
34th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) was held on 11.03.2025 under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble MOS (PP) at Vigyan Bhawan (Annexe) with members of Pensioners' Welfare Associations and representatives of different Ministries/Departments. List of participants is annexed.
2. The meeting was attended by Secretary (pension), Controller General of Accounts and other senior officers from various Ministries/Departments including Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Expenditure, Department of Personnel and Training, Department of Telecommunications, Department of Posts, Department of Financial Services, CPAO, bank officials from J&K bank and Indian bank, officials from DoPPW and members of 13 Pensioners' Welfare Associations.
3. At the outset, Secretary (Pension) welcomed the Hon'ble Minister and other participants in the SCOVA meeting for a fruitful discussion on agenda items for the meeting.
4 Joint Secretary (Pension) made a brief presentation on the various initiatives taken by the DoPPW for casing the difficulties faced by the pensioners and their general welfare including the 100 days' action plan of the Department and other achievements during the last one year. He also presented the future road map of the Department which includes digital empowerment of Pensioners, integration of Bhavishya portal with eHRMS and CGHS and timely redressal of Pensioners' grievances.
5. Thereafter, the deliberations were initiated on the new agenda items categorised into four parts viz. CGHS facilities, SPARSH portal of MoD, Pension Policy and other issues etc. which were taken up one by one for discussion by the SCOVA members.
I. CGHS ISSUES ISSUE
- CGHS-Infrastructure and Posting of Manpower
* Pensioners' Associations from Pune, Jammu, Bengaluru, Chennai, Balasore and Nagpur raised various issues related to CGHS which include:
* Adequate manpower posting at all Wellness centers(WCs)
· Opening of new WCs at Pune, Bengaluru, Balasore, Nagpur, Chennai, Puducherry and Jammu
· Opening of a polyclinic at Jammu with testing lab facilities
· In addition to the empanelled labs already available, setting up of a diagnostic lab
· Timely payment of bills of the vendors
· Empanelment of private hospitals at the district H.Q. (Pune and other places) under CGHS
· Continuous supply of life saving medicines
· Extending the services of CGHS to employees of the Central Government offices which may have been closed on account of administrative restructuring
· Reduction of delay in release of medical reimbursement claims
· Improvement of the existing infrastructure like buildings and facilities of WCs (Chennai, Bengaluru and Nagpur)
Discussion/Decision on agenda item
DG CGHS informed that the proposal for recruitment of manpower for CGHS Wellness Centres is in active consideration through Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and the issue of manpower shortage would be resolved soon.
DG CGHS was requested to consider the issues related to upgradation of existing WCs, improvement of infrastructure and manpower on priority as per the availability of resources
The issue of empanelment of private hospitals without opening of WCs, being a policy matter was decided to be examined separately.
CGHS was requested to examine the need of opening of new WCs in States/UTs after assessing the requirement based on the present population/beneficiaries at a place. CGHS was requested to consider opening of a Polyclinic with a testing lab facility at Jammu.
Emphasis was given to consider maintaining continuous supply of life saving drugs in the WCs based on previous demands rather than just based on demand of indent.
(Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/CGHS)
III. PENSION POLICY
(i) Issue: Restoration of commutation period from 15 ycars to 12 years:
The 5th Central Pay Commission (CPC) and various state governments recommended for reducing the recovery period for commuted pension from 15 years to 12 years to align with changing economic conditions. With the decrease in RBI interest rates, the current 15-year recovery period leads to excess recovery. Reducing the period to 12 years will ensure fairness and better matches the impact of lower interest rates on pension calculations.
Discussion/Decision on agenda item
It was informed by Department of Expenditure that this issue may be included in the Terms of Reference (TOR) of 8th Pay Commission.
In view of the above, the item was closed.
(ii) Issue: Laying down Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for streamlining the process of starting of Family Pension:
Pensioners' Association raised the issue of difficulties being faced by family pensioners for grant of family pension after death of pensioner/family pensioner. They, therefore, requested to issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for streamlining the process of starting of Family Pension.
Discussion/Decision on agenda item
It was informed by DoPPW that comments have been sought from banks, CPAO and other concerned Ministries/Departments on the question of a Standard Operating Procedure for grant of family pension.
DoPPW in consultation with other stakeholders will issue instructions in this regard. (Action: DoPPW)
(iv) ISSUE: FIXED MEDICAL ALLOWANCE (FMA):
Increase in the Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) to Rs. 3000 per month, as the current allowance is insufficient due to rising medical costs, as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Discussion/Decision on agenda item
It was informed by Department of Expenditure that this issue may be included in the Terms of Reference (TOR) of 8th Pay Commission.
In view of the above, the item was closed.
(ONLY FEW ISSUES ARE MENTIONED ABOVE)
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GRANT OF NOTIONAL INCREMENT ON 1ST JULY/1ST JANUARY TO THE EMPLOYEES WHO RETIRED FROM CENTRAL GOVT. SERVICES ON 30TH JUNE/31ST DECEMBER RESPECTIVELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING THEIR PENSIONARY BENEFITS - REGARDING
GRANT OF NOTIONAL INCREMENT ON 1ST JULY/1ST JANUARY TO THE EMPLOYEES WHO RETIRED FROM CENTRAL GOVT. SERVICES ON 30TH JUNE/31ST DECEMBER RESPECTIVELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING THEIR PENSIONARY BENEFITS - REGARDING
1. Supreme Court Ruling (20.02.2025)
Eligibility: Employees retiring on 30th June/31st December (a day before increment due on 1st July/1st January) with:- Qualifying service.
- Satisfactory work/conduct.
- Purpose: Pension calculation only (not other benefits).
For General Retirees (No Litigation):
- Enhanced pension effective 01.05.2023 (per SC judgment dated 11.04.2023).
- No arrears for period before 30.04.2023.
- Res Judicata: Enhanced pension applies if petitions succeeded.
- Arrears: Limited to 3 years prior to filing date (if petition filed post-11.04.2023).
- No recovery of excess payments already made.
- Appeals pending in courts excluded.
- Notional Increment: Added to last pay for pension computation.
- Consultation: Approved by Dept. of Expenditure & Legal Affairs.
- Hindi Version: To follow.
- Effective Date: 01.05.2023 (for non-litigants).
- Arrears Cut-off: 30.04.2023 (no backdated payments).
- All Ministries/Departments, State/UT Governments.
- Supreme Court, CGA, UPSC, CVC, PMO, JCM Staff Side.
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Thursday, 29 May 2025
IndiaPost: Reclaiming Autonomy in the Digital Age-
IndiaPost: Reclaiming Autonomy in the Digital Age-
Bruhaspati Samal –
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Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Launch of ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ Web Portals: A Landmark in India's Geospatial and Addressing Infrastructure
Launch of ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’ Web Portals: A Landmark in India's Geospatial and Addressing Infrastructure
Posted On: 27 MAY 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, today launched two transformative digital platforms: ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ and ‘Know Your PIN Code’, marking a significant step towards the modernisation of India's addressing system and geospatial governance.
These platforms were launched in alignment with the National Geospatial Policy 2022, which envisions the development of an advanced geospatial infrastructure to support digital governance and public service delivery.
Know Your DIGIPIN Web Application
The DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number) is an open-source, interoperable, geo-coded, grid-based digital address system developed by the Department of Posts in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO. It is a cornerstone of the Department of Posts' vision to offer Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) — an array of services associated with address data management to support secure and efficient interactions between users, government entities, and private sector organisations.
The ‘Know Your DIGIPIN’ portal enables users to:
- Retrieve their DIGIPIN based on precise geolocation.
- Input latitude and longitude coordinates to fetch corresponding DIGIPINs and vice versa.
This initiative simplifies location mapping, enhances logistics and emergency response, and ensures last-mile delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas. The DIGIPIN system, officially reviewed and adopted by the Thematic Working Group on Address under the National Geospatial Policy 2022, is now available to all Ministries, State Governments, institutions for integration into their workflows, and users for their own use.
Incorporating DIGIPIN as an additional address attribute enables the leveraging of GIS capabilities, laying the foundation for future GIS-based digitalisation of service delivery across various organisations in a cost-effective manner. DIGIPIN will enhance location accuracy across multiple sectors by providing precise geographic coordinates, ensuring accurate service delivery and reducing emergency response times. A complete repository of the DIGIPIN technical documentation and source code has been made available on GitHub, promoting open collaboration and nationwide adoption.
Know Your PIN Code Web Application
The six-digit PIN Code system, introduced in 1972, has served as the backbone of India’s postal delivery. However, recognising the need to modernise and refine its geographic accuracy, the Department undertook a national geofencing exercise across all postal jurisdictions to geo-reference all the pin code boundaries of the country. Based on this, the Department of Post has now launched the ‘Know Your PIN Code’ web application which uses GNSS location features to allow users to:
- Identify the correct PIN Code based on the location.
- Submit feedback on PIN Code accuracy for continuous refinement of pin code dataset.
The geo-fenced PIN Code boundaries dataset has also been uploaded on Open Government Data Platform under the title “All India PIN Code Boundary geo-json”.
A Unified Step Towards Digital India
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Department of Posts, stated:
“The launch of these two applications reflects our Government’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation and precision governance. DIGIPIN, in particular, will redefine how we perceive addresses, ensuring that every citizen, even in the remotest part of the country, is digitally locatable and serviceable. These applications are a testimony to the Department’s continued efforts to modernise infrastructure and meet the evolving expectations of citizens and all other stakeholders”.
With this dual launch, the Department of Posts advances its role not just as a postal service provider but as a critical enabler of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for India.
Public Participation and Continuous Improvement
The Department of Posts encourages citizens, developers, institutions, and other stakeholders to explore both portals and actively contribute to their refinement. Both platforms include built-in options for submitting feedback on data accuracy and system usability. This participatory approach will help continuously improve the quality and reliability of digital addressing across India, and ensure the solutions remain responsive to local realities.
Both the applications can be accessed through the website of India Post via weblink: https://dac.indiapost.gov.in/mypincode/menu
For further details and to access the platforms:
- Know Your DIGIPIN: https://dac.indiapost.gov.in/mydigipin/home
- Know Your PIN Code: https://dac.indiapost.gov.in/mypincode/home
- DIGIPIN GitHub Repository: https://github.com/CEPT-VZG/digipin
- Georeferenced PIN Code data set: https://www.data.gov.in/catalog/all-india-pincode-boundary-geo-json
***
Samrat/Allen
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Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Discontinuation of promotion to Postman from MTS under seniority cum fitness quota - - FNPO Letter to Directorate
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Grant of Notional Increment on 1st July, 1st January - DOT OM dtd 26/05/2025
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Pension is a legal right, not charity, and shouldn't be delayed even a day: HC
Pension is a legal right, not charity, and shouldn't be delayed even a day: HC
The Calcutta High Court has directed the Hooghly Chinsurah municipality to quickly release pension funds to 148 retired Group D workers. The court stated that pension is a legal right earned through years of service, not a charitable handout, a TOI report stated.
The case arose after a petitioner, who retired in 2023, did not receive her pension and other benefits. She was among 148 employees who were hired in 1991-92 as coolies, domes, methors, trailormen, and jharuyalis. These positions were later combined into the role of 'conservancy worker'. All were considered permanent employees entitled to a monthly pension.
The municipality blamed technological issues for the delay. They said that the retired employees' data was missing from the e-pension portal, which was adopted in 2021. The Directorate of Local Bodies informed the court that the municipality had not provided complete details of all Group D employees.
Justice Gaurang Kanth strongly criticized the delay, stating, "Pension and other retiral benefits, once earned by an employee after rendering long and continuous service ought not to be delayed even by a single day. Delay in such cases causes undue hardship to the retired employees who depend on these dues for their sustenance."
The court has instructed the municipality to submit all necessary documents to the directorate within one week. The directorate must then redesignate the employees within two weeks.
Justice Kanth added that any unnecessary delay in pension disbursement, especially due to technological or administrative errors, "is impermissible and contrary to the principles of equity, justice, and good governance".
Source : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
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Extension of due date for furnishing return of income for the Assessment Year 2025-26-reg.
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Request manual processing of Rule 3 Transfer Cycle - AIGDSU Letter to Directorate
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From urgent documents to precious parcels, India Post’s Speed Post delivers across India with unmatched reliability.
From urgent documents to precious parcels, India Post’s Speed Post delivers across India with unmatched reliability.
Start your week at full speed!
From urgent documents to precious parcels, #IndiaPost’s Speed Post delivers across India with unmatched reliability.
Trust us to carry your priorities—fast, safe, and secure.
#mondaymotivation #speedpost #parcelwithpurpose #IndiaPost #apcircle #DeliveringExcellence
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