Parliament news : Clarification on Family Planning Allowance to Central Government employees

This information was given by MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY in written reply to a question raised (Shri S.SEMMALAI – 790) in Lok Sabha on 25.11.2011 regarding the FAMILY PLANNING ALLOWANCE to Central Government employees.
Age limit is prescribed for eligibility to receive the Family Planning Allowance..?
In the case of a male Central Government employee he should not be over 50 years and his wife should be between 20 to 45 years of age. In the case of a female government employee she must not be above 45 years and his husband must not be over 50 years of age.
FAMILY PLANNING ALLOWANCE FOR STERILISATION
Question :-

(a) whether Central Government Employees undergoing sterilization operation are paid family planning allowances;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any age limit is prescribed for eligibility to receive the allowance;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the cases of fraudulent sterilization of unwilling persons and swindling of incentives money have come to light;
(f) if so, the details thereof;
(g) whether any enquiry has been initiated by the Government; and
(h) if so, the action taken against those found guilty?
ANSWER :-
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a) & (b):   Central Government employees are granted special increment in the form of personal pay for undergoing sterilization operation after two/three surviving children. Such admissible personal pay will not be absorbed in future increases in pay either in the same post or on promotion to higher posts.
(c) & (d):    Yes. The employees must be within the reproductive age group. In the case of a male Central Government employee he should not be over 50 years and his wife should be between 20 to 45 years of age. In the case of a female government employee she must not be above 45 years and his husband must not be over 50 years of age.
(e) to (h);    No. Does not arise.

CONFEDERATION WRITES TO CABINET SECRETARAY

No. D/16/2012                    Dated: 25th May,2012

To

            The Cabinet Secretary,

            (and Chairman, National Council, JCM)

            Government of India,

            Rashtrapathy Bhawan Annexe

            New Delhi. 110 001   

Dear Sir,

                I am directed by the National Executive of the Confederation of Central Government employees and Workers to send the enclosed resolution which appeals for the revival of the JCM Machinery, especially at the Departmental council levels for your consideration. We also send herewith a copy of the 14 point Charter of demands adopted by the Committee.  The issues contained in the charter of demands had all been the subject matter of representation on various occasions without however reaching any settlement.   Similarly the issues taken up at the National Council Anomaly Committee as per the agreement reached after the Government accepted the 6^th CPC recommendations still beg settlement.

            The National Executive also took serious note of the fact that many departmental heads have denied grant of recognition to the Associations and Federations despite their fulfilling all requisite conditions stipulated under the CCS (RSA) Rules, 1993.  

             In the circumstance, the Executive have decided to organize a March to Parliament on 26^th July, 2012 and submit a memorandum to the Honorable Prime Minister to seek his intervention.  The National Executive have also decided to follow it up with an industrial action in November, 2012 if the Government continues to disregard the grievances of the employees.

 Thanking you,

 Yours faithfully,

 Sd/-

K.K.N. Kutty

Secretary General

Resolution adopted at the National Executive Committee meeting of the Confederation of Central Government employees and workers on 28^th April, 2012 on the functioning of the JCM.

            This meeting of the National Executive of the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees and workers held at Koilata on 28^th April, 2012, has taken  serious note of the collapse of all the fora of the JCM and compulsory arbitration, with the result that it is no longer a grievance settlement mechanism. The Government must be aware of the fact that it was in the wake of serious discontent of the Central Government employees in 1960s, the JCM was  set up as a negotiating forum to expedite settlement of demands and problems of employees.

            On the pretext of the promulgation of the new CCS(RSA)Rules, most of the departments suspended the operation of the Departmental Councils.  .  Even after complying with the requisite formalities, in many departments, Associations/Federations are yet to be recognized.  Wherever the recognition process was completed and orders issued granting recognition, no meetings of the Departmental Councils are held till date. .  Despite raising the issue in the National Council on several occasions by the Staff Side, nothing tangible has been done to ensure that the councils are  made functional.

The National Councils is as per the scheme to meet once in four months.  It meets after several years, The system of deciding on the  agenda in the meeting in which it is raised has been totally abandoned with the result that number of issues have been kept pending for indefinite period of time.  The non functioning of the Council and the consequent non redressal of grievances has led to agitations including strike action in many departments of the Government of India. The 6^th CPC recommendations were given effect to in September, 2008.  The anomalies arising there form (which is in large numbers) ought to have been settled as per the agreement by Feb,. 2010.  Barring one or two items, no settlement has been brought about on the large number of anomalies till date . Of the Seventeen awards given in favour of the employees by the Board of Arbitration since 1998, the Government chose to refer every one of them for rejection to the Parliament. 

            In the wake of the General Strike action of the working class in the country against the neo liberal economic policies of the Government on 28^th Feb. 2012, the Joint Secretary (Estt) in the Department of Personnel writes in her demi- official communication addressed to all Secretaries of the Government of India, as under which is contrary to facts and misleading too.

            “Joint consultative machinery for Central Government employees is already functioning. This scheme has been introduced with the object t of promoting harmonious relations and of securing the greatest measure of co-operation between the Government, in its capacity as employer and the general body of its employees in matters of common concern, and with the object further of increasing the efficiency of the public service .  The JCM at different levels have been discussing issues brought before it for consideration and either reaching amicable settlement or referring the matter to the Board of Arbitration n relation to pay and allowances, weekly hours of work and leave, wherever no amicable settlement could be reached in relation to these items.”

            The National Executive has, therefore, unanimously resolved to request that the forum of Departmental Councils must be immediately revived in all Departments and made effective as an instrument to settle the demands of the employees and the National Council meetings are convened regularly.

            The meeting has also resolved to appeal to the Government that the recognition may be afforded to all Associations/Federations which have complied with the requisite formalities of the CCS (RSA) Rules, immediately.

S.K. VYAS

President.

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.

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: -    ^th May, 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. 

Posted by NFPE at 10:46 AM 0 comments Links to this post

TRADE UNIONS OPPOSE PETROL PRICE HIKE BY PROTEST RALLIES ON 30 & 31.05.2012

TRADE UNIONS OPPOSE PETROL PRICE HIKE BY PROTEST RALLIES ON 30 & 31.05.2012

Monday 28 May 2012

RED SALUTE TO COM. PARUL BOSE.

WITH DEEP SORROW I AM TO INTIMATE THAT COM. PARUL BOSE, WIFE OF COM. K.G. BOSE PASSED AWAY EARLY MORNING ON 27^th MAY, 2012.SHE WAS A TRADE UNION LEADER HERSELF AND HAD TO FACE ASSAULT DURING THE SEMI-FACIST PERIOD IN WEST BENGAL. NFPE CONVEY ITS HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES.

M. KRISHNAN SECRETARY GENERAL, NFPE 
S. A. RAHEEM,G.S, AIPCWEA

Children Education Allowance Clarification

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Children Education Allowance Clarification

No.12011/07/2011-Estt.(AL)

Government of India

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

(Department of Personnel & Training)

New Delhi, Dated 23rd May, 2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy-Clarification

The undersigned is directed to refer to Department of Personnel & Training’s O.M. No.12011/03/2008 Estt.(AL) dated 2nd September, 2008 and subsequent clarification No.12011/08/2010-Estt.(AL) dated 30th December, 2010 on the above subject and to say that this Department has been receiving various references seeking clarification whether fee charged by schools for teaching through audio-visual aids can be reimbursed. 

It is clarified that fee paid to the school for the use of any aid or appliances by the child is reimbursable. Hence, if fee is charged by the school for teaching through audio-visual tools, the same is reimbursable as “fee” mentioned in para 1(e) of the O.M. mentioned above.

sd/-

(Vibha G. Mishra)

Director

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

Tuesday 22 May 2012

NFPE CIRCULAR

No. PF-1(e)/03/2012                               Dated: 22^nd May 2012

CIRCULAR

To

            All General Secretaries/NFPE Office Bearers.

            All Circle /Divisional / Branch Secretaries of NFPE Unions.

Dear Comrades,

PARLIAMENT MARCH

            Federal Secretariat endorsed the decision of Confederation National Executive to organize Parliament March on 26^th July, 2012 and one day token strike thereafter. It is decided to make the Parliament March a historic success by rallying Ten Thousand participants from NFPE and its affiliated union’s. Campaign programme shall also be implemented in all circles as per the confederation circular. Each affiliate has decided to ensure participation of delegates as shown below:

All India Postal Employees Union Group ‘C -    2000

AIPE Union Postmen, MTS & Gr. D                -  2000

AIRMS & MMS EU Group ‘C’                          -  1000

ARMS &MMS EU Mail Guard/MTS & Gr. ‘C’  -  500

All India Postal Accounts Emp. Association   -  100

All India Postal Admn Offices E.U. Gr. “C’&’D- 100

All India Postal Civil Wing Emp. Union.          -   100

All India Postal SBCO Emp. Union.                -   100

All India Casual, Part Time,

Contingent Emp. Fed                                       -   100

AI Postal Employees Union GDS (NFPE)     - 3000

            Each General Secretary should issue separate circulars fixing quota for each Circle. More participants should come from Delhi and surrounding states i.e. U.P., Haryana, Himachal, Punjab, Rajasthan, MP.& Uttarakhand. Up and Down tickets should be booked immediately.

            Accommodation facility will be arranged by the respective All India Unions.

            Participants should rally behind the banner of each All India Union.

            Venue of the Rally commencing point will be intimated later. Rally will conclude at Jantar Mantar. All Participants should reach before 10.30 A.M

NFPE All India Convention:

            Federal Secretariat decided to organize an All India Convention on 26.07.2012 at New Delhi. Convention will start at 2.30 P.M.  Venue & programme will be intimated later. Those delegates participating in the Parliament March should also attend the All India Convention.

Associate Membership to AIPEU GDS (NFPE)

            Federal Secretariat has decided to grant associate membership to the newly formed AIPEU GDS (NFPE). All Circle/Divisional unions of NFPE are requested to extend full Co-operation and support to AIPEU GDS (NFPE).

Review of JCA Agitation:

            The Federal Secretariat after detailed review of the progress made in the charter of demands has come to the conclusion that progress made so far is satisfactory. Federal Secretariat  further decided to take necessary follow up action for getting orders on the remaining items also in a time bound manner.

NFPE Regional Study Camp:

As decided earlier All India Camps will be organized on Regional Basis as shown below:

                        Circles                                       

Region-1         J&K, Punjab, H.P. Haryana,                          

                        Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan               

                        Venue Kurukshetra (Haryana)

Region-2         Bihar, Jharkhand,Orissa,W. Bengal              

                        N.E. & Assam                                                

                        Venue Jamshedpur(Jharkhand)

Region-3         M.P., Chhattisgarh, Gujrat, Maharashtra      

                       Venue  Sagar(M.P.)

Region-4         Karnataka, Kerala,Andhra, Tamil Nadu        

                        Venue Tamil Nadu Circle (Exact venue will be                                                                     intimated later)

            Further details will follow.

           

Financial Position of NFPE

            Due to heavy expenditure incurred on last Parliament March etc financial position of NFPE has become almost Nil. All Circle/Divisional/Branch Secretaries are requested to remit maximum quota and donation to NFPE in the following address:

            Treasurer NFPE

            1^st Floor North Avenue

            Post Office Building,

            New Delhi -110001

            All General Secretaries and Circle Secretaries are requested to issue Circulars and send up to Division and Branch level.

            With revolutionary greetings.

Yours Comradely,

Sd/-

{M. Krishnan}

Secretary General

Wednesday 23 May 2012

HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME FOR THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WAITS FOR APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION

          New Delhi, May 18, 2012(PIB): There is a proposal for introduction of a health insurance scheme for the central government employees and pensioners on pan-India basis, with special focus on pensioners living in non-CGHS areas.

            The proposal is to make this scheme voluntary cum contributory for serving employees & pensioners.

            However, it is proposed to be made compulsory for the new entrants in Government service.

            The salient features of the proposed Health Insurance Scheme are as under;

Optional for serving Central Government employees and  pensioners including future pensioners,Compulsory for new recruits,Covers all the members of family as per CGHS norms,Sum insured – Rs. 5 lakh per year on a family floater basis,Corporate buffer of Rs 25 Crore to take care of cases exceeding Rs. 5 lakh,All pre existing diseases covered from the day one,Pre and post hospitalisation benefits available,

Domiciliary Hospitalisation benefit,Maternity benefit upto two living children,

OPD not covered however OPD consultations will be free,Payment of FMA for meeting OPD needs,Cashless treatment facility,Govt. to subsidise significantly the payment of premium, Employees / pensioners to contribute 20 to 30 percent of the premium,Identification of beneficiaries through a Smart Card.

The proposed scheme will be an alternative to the CGHS and it will provide an option to the serving employees and pensioners to choose a scheme as per his/her convenience.

            The Scheme will have special focus on the pensioners living in non-CGHS areas who are getting Fixed Medical Allowance at the rate of Rs.300/- only per month to take care of their medical needs and have been demanding extension of CGHS or CS (MA) Rules to cover their OPD and Inpatient medical needs which is not feasible due to resource constraints.

            The Health Insurance Scheme seems to be a viable alternative. It will have additional implications, due to coverage of pensioners living in non-CGHS areas and not covered under any Government Scheme.

            The proposal for inclusion of the Health Insurance Scheme for the Central Government employees and pensioners in the 12th Plan has been moved by the Ministry for consideration of the Steering Committee on Health in the Planning Commission.

            On receipt of approval of Planning Commission, the proposal would be placed before the Expenditure Finance Committee and finally before the Cabinet for approval of the scheme. No strict time frame can be given in this regard.

            This information was given by the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in reply to a Starred question in Lok Sabha on Friday, i.e. May 18, 2012.

VERY SAD NEWS.

OUR GREAT VETERAN LEADER COM. NANI BANERJEE EXPIRED TODAY MORNING. NFPE CONVEY ITS HEART FELT CONDOLENCES AND PRAY FOR ETERNAL PEACE TO DEPARTED SOUL AND STRENGTH TO ALL COMRADES TO BEAR THIS LOSS.