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Friday, 28 October 2016
Cabinet approves Cadre Review of Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service Group “A”
Cabinet approves Cadre Review of Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service Group “A”
27-October-2016 15:47 IST
Cabinet approves Cadre Review of Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service Group “A”
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the first Cadre Review of Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) with the following salient features:
(a) Reduction of the total strength of the cadre from 420 to 376.
(b) Creation of one Apex level post of Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA).
(c) Creation of one additional HAG+ level post taking the grade strength to 2.
(d) Creation of two additional HAG level posts taking the grade strength from 6 to 8.
(e) Creation of 18 additional SAG level posts taking the grade strength from 37 to 55.
(f) Reduction in JAG level posts from 111 to 90.
(g) Reduction in STS level posts from 198 to 86.
(h) Creation of 21 JTS level posts taking the grade strength from 67 to 88.
(i) Creation of 46 Posts to be operated as Reserves
Background:
Indian Posts & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service Group ‘A” was constituted in 1972 and caters to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Department of Posts (DoP).
In Department of Telecommunications, the IP&TAFS performs the functions of assessment and collection of license fee/ spectrum usage charges, spectrum auction, USO scheme monitoring and subsidy management, exchequer control, budgeting, accounting, pension disbursement, internal audit and finance advice. In the Department of Posts, the IP&TAFS is entrusted with the functions of finance advice, budgeting, tariff and costing, accounting and internal audit.
There has been a paradigm shift in the role of Department of Telecommunications as well as the Department of Posts in recent years. In the Telecom sector, the role of the Department of Telecommunications has transformed from primarily being a Service provider, Regulator and Policy maker into the present structure whereby the Department is primarily responsible for Policy making, Licensing and Universal Service Obligation. Receipts from Department of Telecommunications, primarily License Fee, Spectrum Usage Charges and Spectrum Auction Value constitute one of the largest source of non-tax revenue for the Government of India.
Similarly, the bundle of services offered by Department of Posts has undergone a quantitative and qualitative change and the Department has ventured into areas of retailing, banking, insurance, digitizing operations etc. Further, the audit mechanism in both the Departments needs to be strengthened.
These facts coupled with the stagnation in various grades of the service necessitated a review of the structure of IP&TAFS.
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Wow! Great News To Our GDS Brothers and Sisters
Wow! Great News To Our GDS Brothers and Sisters
Enhancement of ceiling for calculation of ex-gratia Bonus payable to Gramin Dak Sevaks from Rs. 3500/- to Rs. 7000/- - Regd.
Vide Department of Posts (Establishment Division)/PAP Section it has been conveyed that the ceiling for calculation of ex-gratia Bonus payable to the GDSs has been raised from Rs.3,500/- to Rs.7,000/- per month from the accounting year 2014-15.
Vide Department of Posts (Establishment Division)/PAP Section it has been conveyed that the ceiling for calculation of ex-gratia Bonus payable to the GDSs has been raised from Rs.3,500/- to Rs.7,000/- per month from the accounting year 2014-15.
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After DA, Central Govt Employees Now In Wait For Fatter Allowances
After DA, Central Govt Employees Now In Wait For Fatter Allowances
The central government today announced 2 per cent dearness allowance, benefiting its 48 lakh central government employees and 52 lakh pensioners, in a bid to ease the inflationary pressure.
All eyes of central government employees are now on ‘Committee on Allowances’, which will take a final decision in fatter allowances under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.
The increasing of Dearness Allowance (DA) of central government employees and officials were not helpful for maintaining their living standard, Finance Ministry’s official said on Thursday.
They also said fatter allowances under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations should implement which would give them some financial comfort, a step they had hoped might be taken within weeks.
Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the government may make a formal announcement on higher allowance after obtaining feedback from Finance Ministry.
They also said the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had initially appointed ‘Committee on Allowances’ headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa on July 22 for examination of the recommendations of 7th Pay Commission on allowances other than dearness allowance and asked to submit its report with in four months.
The pay commission had recommended abolition of 51 allowances and subsuming 37 others out of 196 allowances. So, there was resentment among employees over suggestions to scrap some allowances.
The Pay Commission recommended overall increase in allowances by 63 per cent.
The Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa recently said, “A committee headed by me is currently examining the Pay Commission’s recommendations on allowances and it will submit its report soon.
“The cabinet is likely to approve the proposal of committee on allowances and the higher allowances will be implemented with retrospective effect from August 2016 but the central government employees unions demanded for implementation of the allowances with retrospective effect from January 2016,” the sources confirmed.
“Moreover, arrears for higher allowances will be paid from August,” the source assured.
However, the central government employees’union expressed its resentment over the non-formation of High Level Committee for reviewing the minimum pay and allowances and say they must lead their march to Parliament on December 15 against non-formation of High Level Committee.
The central government employees and pensioners got theirs arrears of basic pay and pension arising from implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations in one go in August salaries and pension respectively. The hike in basic pay and pension has been made effective from January 1, 2016.
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GDS Bonus ceiling revised to 7000 from 3500 w.e.f 2014
GDS Bonus ceiling revised to 7000 from 3500 w.e.f 2014
Enhancement of ceiling for calculation of ex-gratia Bonus payable to Gramin Dak Sevaks from Rs. 3500/- to Rs. 7000/- - Regd.
Vide Department of Posts (Establishment Division)/PAP Section it has been conveyed that the ceiling for calculation of ex-gratia Bonus payable to the GDSs has been raised from Rs.3,500/- to Rs.7,000/- per month from the accounting year 2014-15.
Arrears will be paid for the year 2014-2015. Orders already sent to all Heads of Circles.
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Thursday, 27 October 2016
Minutes of the Meeting of ''India Posts’ Retired Officers’ Association''
Minutes of the Meeting of ''India
Posts’ Retired Officers’ Association''
The meeting of “India Posts Retired
Officers’ Association” was held on Saturday the 22nd October 2016 in
the Conference Hall of Dadar IQ,
Dadar HO building 5th floor Dadar (East) Mumbai 400014 under
the Chairmanship of Shri R Ganesan Ex-Secretary
to Govt. of India, Director General, Department of Posts New-Delhi and Hon’ble
President of the Association.
2) Following members were present in the meeting.
1 Ms. Humera Ahmed ------- Vice President
2 Shri
U.P.C.Tauro---------------Secretary
3 Shri W S
Janbandhu-----------Organising Secretary
4 Shri SV
Narayankar----------- Organising Secretary
5.Shri V.L.Raichur-----------------Member
6.Shri S.P.Sardal-------------------Member
7.Shri S.A.Siwal---------------------Member
8. Shri Bacchan Prasad-------------Member
9. Shri N M Tikekar--------------- Member
10. Shri K.N.Kulkarni---------------Member
11. Shri D.B.Kadam-----------------Member
12.Shri T.B.Waydande------------Member
13.Shri P.C.Gayakwad-------------Member
14.Shri M.S.Nimje------------------Member
15.Shri K.P.Katdare-----------------Member
16.Shri R.S.Rajan------------------- Member
17.Shri P.R.Meshram---------------Member
18.Mrs Baby Rajgopalan-----------Member
19.Mrs V.Mallika --------------------Member
20.Mrs K.Saraswati------------------Member
21 .Shri G.D.Patil----------------------Member
22.Shri B.G.Hande--------------------Member
23.Shri M.J.Joshi----------------------Member
24.Shri B.S.Torave--------------------Member
2) At the
outset, Shri S P Sardal welcomed Chairman, vice-chairman, and all
members of the Association who were present in the meeting.
3) Thereafter, Shri R Ganesan Ex-Secretary to Govt. of
India, Director General, Posts New-Delhi and President of the Association
addressed all members. In his presidential address, he mentioned that he is
happy to see an increasing strength of the Association. He appreciated the
efforts made by Shri Tauro Secretary to mobilize and garner the support of
members. He emphasized that all other members would also contribute the same for
the augmenting the strength of Association. He further highlighted the outcome
of 7th Pay Commission and stated that the
rise in the pension is the historically lowest in the past seventy years. He expressed
his displeasure about its benefits to
the Pensioners which are inadequate in the present scenario to meet the rise in prices of essential
commodities day by day and very
difficult to struggle for Dignity, Healthcare
and Social security. At last, he thanked all members for their presence
in the meeting.
4.Shri Janbandhu W S welcomed new
members present in the meeting for the first time .He introduced Mr N M Tikekar
who runs Pensioners Association@ Mulund for more than a decade and had a membership of more than 150.He
referred Mr P C Gaykwad,Ms V..Mallika, Mr K.N.Kulkarni from MMS,Mr D.B.Kadam
& Mr M J Joshi.
5. Ms. Humera Ahmed Vice-President
presented a bunch of books to Shri R Ganesan President for its release. After
release of books written by her they were given to the members. Members who
could not get a copy, requested her for additional copies which would be
monitored by Shri Tauro for its supply. On the occasion, Ms. Humera Ahmed
talked about the background and purpose of writing the book which envisages the
identification, existence and significant importance of Post Offices. She read
out comments received through e-mail stating a value of book.
6.Smt Baby Rajgopalan gave a talk on
the academic facilities available to Veterans at Indira Gandhi National Open
University. She also distributed pamphlets of IGNOU containing information of
Open Admission for Master Degree, Bachelor Degree, PG Diploma and Diploma
Certificate brought out by IGNOU. She requested members to take an advantage of
this facility to advance their academic qualification & also to spread
awareness amongst the friends & neighbours about the facilities available
at IGNOU. She also assured the members of her assistance to enroll.
7.Shri U.P.C.Tauro Secretary of the
Association informed all the members that
the minutes of the last meeting held on 06/04/2016 at at Bungalow No
7/01 Sanjay Gandhi National Park Western Express Highway, Borivali East Mumbai
400066 were circulated to all members & also posted in Associations’ Blog www.iproamh.com. As such the minutes of the last meeting
were got ratified unanimously.
8. Shri U.P.C.Tauro Secretary of the Association informed the house that
only one proposal was received on motto of the Association i.e.from Shri R
Ganesan Hon’ble President of the Association. The proposal was circulated to
all the members by the President as well as by him through email as well a copy
was distributed in the folder. It is said that the sign of growth is in caring and
sharing The motto of Association “Care*Share*Welfare”
was unanimously approved. This is in keeping
with our view that we join hands for the welfare of all our members.
While talking about motto for IPROA, Hon’ble
President considered it as “Shanti/Inner Peace/Tranquility by caring and
sharing ”.He further suggested our motto of Association be incorporated with
words “Care*Share*Welfare” below the logo of the Association. For this purpose, Shri S.V.Narayankar
would request Smt Geethe Bhatt to assist in arranging the motto below the Logo
and present before the next meeting.
9.Regarding drafting of Memorandum to the Government
of India giving our concerns for not granting the benefits of OROP to the
Pensioners of Pre 6th Pay Commission Shri U.P.C.Tauro Secretary of the Association
informed the house that during the Meeting of the Committee set up to examine the feasibility of
implementation of recommendation of 7th CPC for revision of pension of pre-2016
pensioners-held on 17/10/2016 the Official Side again stressed that option No.1
is not feasible of implementation because of non-availability of records of lot
many retirees. However, after discussion the Staff Side welcomed the
alternative suggested by Official Side in the meeting held on 06th October 2016
and, gave following suggestions.
“The Pensioners/family pensioners may be allowed to choose
any one of the following three options:-
(a) 2.57 time of the present pension if that is beneficial.
(b) Option No.1. Recommended by the 7th CPC, if that is
beneficial for them.
(c) to determine the Pension on the basis of the suggestion
placed by the Pension Department on 6.10.2016 i.e. extension of the benefit of
pension determination recommended by the 5th CPC (viz. arriving at notional pay
in the 7th CPC by applying formula for pay revision for serving employees in
each Pay Commission and consequent pension fixation) to all pre-20I6
Pensioners/family pensioners, if that becomes beneficial to them.”
The Official Side had given assurance to examine the
proposal. It was unanimously agreed to wait till outcome of the report of the
Committee. It was also informed to the house that during the Meeting on Allowances held with Unions/Associations on 19/10/2016 it was requested to raise the Fixed Medical Allowance @ Rs 2000/-
per month.
10.Tea & delicious snacks were
served. The Association is grateful to Ms Humera Ahmed Vice President of the
Association for delicious snacks & tea
11 After tea-break, Members were
requested to share their experiences they had come across during their long
spell of active service. Shri S.P.Sardal narrated how long pending disciplinary
case of North East Division for which repeated reminders were being received
from Directorate was solved while functioning as VO. by the support of Senior Officers.
Mr MJ Joshi spoke his experiences in RMS and how he cleared the IP Exam. All
the members enjoyed with joy and laugh.
12 Shri Harish Agarwal Hon’ble Chief
Postmaster General Maharashtra & Goa Circle surprised all the members of
the Association by his presence. Shri W.S. Janbandhu welcomed him.
13. In his address Shri Harish
Agarwal Hon’ble Chief Postmaster General Maharashtra & Goa Circle wishing
the Association all success requested the members to assist the present
administration by pointing out the shortfalls if any.
14.The next meeting of the Association
was proposed to be held on Saturday the 11th February 2017 at Thane in
Butterflies fields & Yevoor. Shri T.B Waydande & Shri B.G.Hande will
assist the Secretary to fix the venue & to work out individual contribution
from the members. In the meantime it was gathered that the season of
butterflies is November& December. In view of this it is proposed to pre
pone the get together on Saturday the 10th December 2016.If there is
any objection from the members they are free to raise.
15. The meeting concluded at 5.00pm
with a vote of thanks by Shri S A Siwal
with a special mention of new members who had participated in the meeting.
Wishing all the members and their
families “Happy Diwali"
President
Secretary
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Temporary employee to be paid at par with regular worker: SC
Temporary employee to be paid at par with regular worker: SC
Temporary employee to be paid at par with regular worker: SC
HIGHLIGHTS
- SC said contractual employees are entitled to wages at par with permanent employee
- Principle of ‘equal pay for equal work’ must be followed, SC said
- Undoubtedly, the action pf paying lesser wage is oppressive, the bench said
NEW DELHI: In a big relief to lakhs temporary employee who have been hired by government departments and agencies across the country on contractual basis, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held that they are entitled to wages at par with permanent employees and principle of 'equal pay for equal work' must be followed.
A bench of Justices JS Khehar and SA Bobde said the principle of 'equal pay for equal work' constitutes a clear and unambiguous right vested in every employee whether engaged on regular or temporary basis.
"In our considered view, it is fallacious to determine artificial parameters to deny fruits of labour. An employee engaged for the same work, cannot be paid less than another, who performs the same duties and responsibilities. Certainly not, in a welfare state. Such an action besides being demeaning, strikes at the very foundation of human dignity," the bench said.
The bench said the principle had been expounded through a large number of judgments rendered by the apex court and and constitutes law declared by the Supreme Court.
"Any one, who is compelled to work at a lesser wage, does not do so voluntarily. He does so, to provide food and shelter to his family, at the cost of his self respect and dignity, at the cost of his self worth, and at the cost of his integrity. For he knows, that his dependents would suffer immensely, if he does not accept the lesser wage," Justice Khehar, who wrote the judgement, said.
"Any act, of paying less wages, as compared to others similarly situate, constitutes an act of exploitative enslavement, emerging out of a domineering position. Undoubtedly, the action is oppressive, suppressive and coercive, as it compels involuntary subjugation," he said.
The court passed the verdict on a bunch of petition filed by tempoary employee working for state of Punjab seeking wage parity with regular employee. They approached the apex court after Punjab and Haryana High Court held that temporary employees were not entitled to the minimum of the regular pay-scale, merely for reason, that the activities carried on by them and the regular employees were similar.
Setting aside the HC order, the apex court held that the principle of equal pay for equal work must be followed in the country as India was a signatory of International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
"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,"it said.
"India is a signatory to the covenant, having ratified the same on April 10, 1979. There is no escape from the above obligation, in view of different provisions of the Constitution and in view of the law declared by this court under Article 141 of the Constitution of India, the principle of 'equal pay for equal work' constitutes a clear and unambiguous right and is vested in every employee - whether engaged on regular or temporary basis,"it said.
Read at: Times of India
HIGHLIGHTS
- SC said contractual employees are entitled to wages at par with permanent employee
- Principle of ‘equal pay for equal work’ must be followed, SC said
- Undoubtedly, the action pf paying lesser wage is oppressive, the bench said
NEW DELHI: In a big relief to lakhs temporary employee who have been hired by government departments and agencies across the country on contractual basis, the Supreme Court on Wednesday held that they are entitled to wages at par with permanent employees and principle of 'equal pay for equal work' must be followed.
A bench of Justices JS Khehar and SA Bobde said the principle of 'equal pay for equal work' constitutes a clear and unambiguous right vested in every employee whether engaged on regular or temporary basis.
"In our considered view, it is fallacious to determine artificial parameters to deny fruits of labour. An employee engaged for the same work, cannot be paid less than another, who performs the same duties and responsibilities. Certainly not, in a welfare state. Such an action besides being demeaning, strikes at the very foundation of human dignity," the bench said.
The bench said the principle had been expounded through a large number of judgments rendered by the apex court and and constitutes law declared by the Supreme Court.
"Any one, who is compelled to work at a lesser wage, does not do so voluntarily. He does so, to provide food and shelter to his family, at the cost of his self respect and dignity, at the cost of his self worth, and at the cost of his integrity. For he knows, that his dependents would suffer immensely, if he does not accept the lesser wage," Justice Khehar, who wrote the judgement, said.
"Any act, of paying less wages, as compared to others similarly situate, constitutes an act of exploitative enslavement, emerging out of a domineering position. Undoubtedly, the action is oppressive, suppressive and coercive, as it compels involuntary subjugation," he said.
The court passed the verdict on a bunch of petition filed by tempoary employee working for state of Punjab seeking wage parity with regular employee. They approached the apex court after Punjab and Haryana High Court held that temporary employees were not entitled to the minimum of the regular pay-scale, merely for reason, that the activities carried on by them and the regular employees were similar.
Setting aside the HC order, the apex court held that the principle of equal pay for equal work must be followed in the country as India was a signatory of International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
"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,"it said.
"India is a signatory to the covenant, having ratified the same on April 10, 1979. There is no escape from the above obligation, in view of different provisions of the Constitution and in view of the law declared by this court under Article 141 of the Constitution of India, the principle of 'equal pay for equal work' constitutes a clear and unambiguous right and is vested in every employee - whether engaged on regular or temporary basis,"it said.
Read at: Times of India
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Dearness Allowance hiked by 2 per cent for central government employees, pensioners: Indian Express News
DA Announced 2% for Central Government Employees, Pensioners w.e.f 01/07/2016
Written By Admin on Oct 28, 2016 | October 28, 2016
The Cabinet on Thursday approved 2 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and pensioners, effective from July 1, 2016. The proposal to hike the DA was approved during the Cabinet meeting today afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office. The announcement, which comes ahead of Diwali, is set to bring cheer to around 50 lakh central government employees and 58 lakh pensioners in the country.
Dearness allowance is provided to employees and pensioners to minimise the impact of price rise on their earnings. Earlier this year, the government hiked dearness allowance by 6% to 125 % of the basic pay. It was later merged into the basic pay, based on the recommendation of the 7th Pay Commission Panel.
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