The Interest rates for Deposits is again lowered by 0.1% from 1st July 17

ஜூலை முதல் வட்டி விகிதம் மீண்டும் 0.1% குறைப்பு

Saturday, 4 March 2017

NUGDS சட்ட போராட்டம் தொடர்கிறது.............

Central Information Commission issued a Notice to Department of Posts & NUGDS for a final hearing regarding workload points of GDS. 
Click here to view

NUGDS SECOND APPEAL TO CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSIONclick here to view 







Election Date declared for TN Circle P3 Union



Latest News from Federation Website.

Procedure for dealing with cases of disagreement between Disciplinary Authority and CVC — instructions regarding consultation with UPSC thereofRead more
Guidelines for posting in Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSKs) Read more

CLARIFICATION REGARDING TIMELY PAYMENT OF GPF FINAL PAYMENT TO THE RETIRING GOVERNMENT SERVANT – REGARDING DOP ORDERClick here to view
Memorandum to The Chief Postmaster General  by JCA AP Circle. Read more

Furnishing of Aadhaar mandatory for final settlement of Pension claims - Read More  

Basic income is superior to the job guarantee - Read More

Government Economic Survey presents case for basic income - Read More

Maharashtra to get eight Post Office Passport Seva Kendras: Ministry of External Affairs 
Read more

Feb 28th Bank Strike a great success Read more

Friday, 3 March 2017

PM Gr 1 officials from Kerala in the year 2013-2014 will get seniority from 2011 - CAT Ernakulam Judgement

Postmaster Grade 1 officials from Kerala in the year 2013-2014 will get seniority from 2011 - CAT Ernakulam Judgement

Postmaster Grade 1 officials from Kerala in the year 2013-2014 will get seniority from 2011. CAT Ernakulam judgement issued on 02.02.2017. Please see the details of the case. (OA NUMBER - 426/2015) 
 
Please visit http://judis.nic.in/Dist_Judis/CaseNo_Cat_Qry_Erna.asp for details.

CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL
ERNAKULAM BENCH

ORIGINAL APPLICATION NO.180/426/2015
Dated this Thursday the 2nd day of February , 2017.
CORAM

Hon'ble Mr. Justice N.K. Balakrishnan, Judicial Member
Hon'ble Mrs.P.Gopinath, Administrative Member


1. M.A.Suresh Kumar, S/o Late Appu, aged 43 years,
Postmaster Grade I, Tanur MBR P.O.,
Malappuram, Pin 676302, residing at
Moothery House, Erangalam P.O.,
Malappuram, Kerala Pin 679587.

2. R.Rudran, S/o M. Ramakrishnan, aged 44 years,
Postmaster Grade I, Katakada P.O. Pin 695572,
Permanently residing at Pioneer Villa,
Puthenveedu Elavaramkuzhy Ukakkupura P.O.,
Kollam, Kerala, Pin 691312, now residing at
Aramom Building,
Katakada P.O. Pin 695572.

3. Prasad T.K. S/o Swaminathan, aged 38 years, Postmaster
Grade I, Petta, Trivandrum, Pin 695024,
residing at Thamonamkunnathu, MP2/ 264B, KRA 53A
Thachottukavu, Malayankeezh P.O.,
Trivandrum, Pin 695571.

4. Prakash P. Bhaskaran S/o P.Bhaskaran, aged 41 years,
Postmaster Grade I, Ranny, Pazhavangady, Pin 689673,
residing at Panakal House, Mekozhoor P.O.,
Pathanamthitta, Pin 689645.

5. Preetha K.K. W/o Girishkumar, aged 41 years,
Post Master Grade I, Jubilee Mission, P.O.
Thrissur, Pin 680005,
residing at Haritham, Pipeline Road,
Thottappy, Mannuthy, P.O.
Thrissur, Pin 680651.

6. Faizal K.T. S/o Alavi K.T. Aged 31 years, Postmaster Grade I
Calicut University Pin 673 635, residing at Parayil House,
Melangady P.O. Kondotty, Pin 673 638.

7. Jayarajan A.C. S/o Kumaran K.C. Aged 36 years,
Postmaster Grade I, Manjeswar MDG., Pin 671 323,
residing at Gandhi Nagar,
Karudikka P.O.
Moliyar Pin 671 542.

8. Baiju Ambikesan, S/o Ambikesan P.R. Aged 43 years,
Postmaster Grade I, Thrissur City Pin 680020, residing at
Punnapully House, Kanjany P.O. Pin 680020.
9. Ramachandran P., S/o Raghavan Nair, aged 39 years,
Postmaster Gr.I., Angadipuram Pin 679321, residing at
Pakideeri House,
Anamangadu P.O.
Malappuram 679357. .... Applicants


By Advocate Mr. M.R.Hariraj,

Versus

1. Union of India, repesented by the Secretary,
Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication,
New Delhi.

2. Director General of Posts, Dak Bhavan,
New Delhhi.

3. Chief Post Master General, Kerala Circle,
Thiruvananthapuram 695 033. .... Respondents
(By Mr.S. Ramesh ACGSC)

This application having been finally heard on 18.01.2017, the Tribunal on 02/02/2017
delivered the following:

O R D E R (ORAL)

Per: Mrs. P.Gopinath, Administrative Member:

The applicants are aggrieved by the refusal of the respondents to grant them notional dates of promotion to the cadre of Postmaster Grade I and also the refusal to consider them for promotion to the cadre of Postmaster Grade II.

2. The cadre of Postmasters comprising of four grades, (Postmaster Grade I, II,III and Senior Postmaster) was created on 9 th September, 2010 and the recruitmentrules for the said cadres was promulgated. The applicants were all working as Postal Assistants at that point of time. They all had more than five years of service as on 1.1.2011. Applicants 1, 2 and 4 to 9 had been granted MACP I, and was already drawing pay in the pay band 5200-20200 plus grade pay of 2800 with effect from 2008. The third applicant was granted MACP I and given the grade pay of Rs. 2800 with effect from 2012 onwards. Being fully qualified for the post of Postmaster Grade I, notified by Annexure A3, the applicants applied to appear for the examination. Hall tickets were issued to all the applicants. It is contested that the respondent on the ground of pending litigation before the apex court involving employees from Kerala directed the examination contemplated under Annexure A3 to be adjourned sine die.

3. While the examination was not conducted in Kerala, the examinations were conducted in other circles. Based on results thereof, promotions were made to the cadre of Postmaster Grade I in all other circles except Kerala. The examination in Kerala was conducted in 2013. The applicants appeared for the test and were successful. Based on Annexure A7 results, the applicants were appointed as Postmaster Grade I, and they took charge on various dates in April-May, 2014. In other circles, successful candidates were appointed to the cadre of Postmaster Grade I in July- August, 2011 itself, while for no fault of the applicants, in Kerala the appointment was delayed to May 2014. When the question of consideration for promotion to Senior Post Master will arise, the applicants argue that they would be put to a disadvantage in the All India Seniority List as their date of entry into the initial cadre was delayed due to no fault of applicants. There will be none from Kerala for two years for being considered for promotion as Senior Postmaster due to the adjournment of the examination which ought to have been conducted in June, 2011.
4. Arguing the case of the third applicant it is argued that the third applicant is junior only to the sixth applicant based on his rank in the competitive examination for appointment to the cadre of Postmasters. Thus, he is senior to all other applicants. In such circumstances, the rule provides that b
qualifying/eligibility service are being considered for promotion, their seniors would also be considered provided they are not short of the requisite qualifying service by more than half of such qualifying/eligibility service or two years, whichever is less.

The third applicant was granted MACP I, in the grade of Rs. 5200-20200 + Grade Pay 2800 with effect from 2011. He has already completed four years in the grade pay. But the respondents argue that applicant is not drawing the grade pay in the grade of Postmaster Grade I. He is drawing Grade Pay of Rs.2800/- only in the feeder grade of Postal Assistant and not in the grade of Postmaster Grade I as specified in the Recruitment Rule. The posts of Postmaster Grade II are being manned by personnel who are not qualified to be holding those posts as per Annexure A1 rules. In the other circumstances, the first applicant submitted a detailed representation. Similar representations were made by the other applicants also. A total of 34 posts of Postmaster Grade III and 36 posts of Postmaster Grade II are sanctioned in Kerala Circle. Of 36 posts of Postmaster Grade II and 35 posts Postmaster Grade III identified in the Kerala Circle, only 8 posts in Grade II and Postmaster Grade III have been filled up.

5. The applicants contest the refusal to grant the applicants notional promotions to the postmaster Grade I, with effect from 2011 considering the fact that the examination was adjourned only in Kerala, and in other circles it was conducted in a timely manner. Applicants also contest the refusal to consider them for promotion as Postmaster Grade II based on their experience in the grade of Rs.5200-20200 + Grade Pay 2800 despite availability of vacancies.

The applicants sought the following reliefs:

(i) To direct the respondents to grant notional promotion for the applicants to the cadre of Postmaster Grade I, with effect from June 2011, or the dates on which such promotions were granted to personnel in other circles who appears for the examinations conducted in 2011.;

(ii) To direct the respondents to consider the applicants for promotion to the cadre of Postmaster Grade II with effect from the dates on which the applicants become qualified to be so promoted reckoning their regular service in the grade of Rs.5200-20200 + Grade Pay 2800 as qualifying for promotion,

6. The respondent in the reply statement submits that all applicants joined the Postmaster Grade on various dates in April and May 2014.

7. The vacancies in Postmaster Grade II posts was requested to be filled up by promotion from amongst Postmaster Grade I with 6 years of regular service in the grade including regular service in LSG, if any. Thus, even if it is assumed, though not admitted by the respondents, that the applicants are granted notional promotion to the cadre of Postmaster Grade - I, they still are not eligible for promotion to Postmaster Grade II without fulfilling the mandatory service of 6 years of regular service in Postmaster in Postmaster Grade I.

8. In order to ensure that professionally qualified, trained and meritorious officials head important Post Offices, it was decided vide Annexure A.1 to introduce a separate cadre of Postmasters by carving out the posts from the existing General Line posts. New Recruitment Rules dated 9 Sept 2010, Annexure A.1, were framed and notified. As per notified Recruitment Rules initial constitution of various Grades of Postmasters had to be done by inviting options/applications from the existing incumbents of LSG, HSG II and HSG I Post Offices and PS Group B. In subsequent years all the vacancies in Postmaster Grade I were to be filled up through an LDCE from amongst the Postal Assistants with 5 years regular service in the grade and all the vacancies in Postmaster Grade II post had to be filled up by promotion from amongst Postmaster Grade I with 6 years regular service in the grade including regular service in LSG, if any. Out of the total 299 General Line LSG posts, 125 posts were identified for Postmaster Grade I and willingness was called for from amongst the LSG officials for completing the initial constitution process.

9. Respondent argues that a number of cases with respect to determination of the seniority of the officials for the purpose of promotion to LSG were pending before various courts in 2010. As such, there were only 39 LSG officials in position in the circle in 2010. Out of the 27 willing LSG officials, only 14 officials who were found fit were promoted to PM Grade I vide letter No. ST/3-1/PMC.2010/Dig dated 01.04.2011. Hence, the process of initial constitution could not be completed.

10. Third Respondent was advised by the first Respondent on 19.05.2011, that there was no other option other than to await the decision of the Apex Court before the vacancies in LSG were filled up by the Circle and as such, action for filling up the unfilled posts of Postmaster Grade I under initial constitution clause as well as Departmental Examination would have to be taken only after the decision of the Apex Court. First respondent also directed vide Annexure R.2 that Postmaster Grade I examination scheduled to be held on 12.06.2011 need not be held in Kerala Circle.

After settlement of various court cases, DPC was convened on 17.04.2013 for promotion of eligible Postal Assistants to the cadre of LSG in 2013 for the vacancies from 2009 and 150 officials were promoted to LSG cadre vide letter No.St/5-2/2012 dated 02.05.2013. Willingness was called for from these officials for Postmaster Grade I and out of the 24 willing officials, the eligible 23 officials were promoted to Postmaster Grade I vide letter dated 28.06.2013.

11. Respondent contends that before completing the initial constitution of Postmaster Grade I, the number of vacancies in the grade to be filled up through LDCE could not be assessed. Neither could the interests of the senior officials in the PA cadre who were awaiting promotion to LSG cadre to be settled by court case be ignored. Thus in the best interest of the employees, the decision was taken to
postpone the LDCE in Kerala Circle. Soon after the initial constitution process was completed, the examination was duly notified without any delay vide Annexure A-6.
All the applicants in the OA appeared in the examination held on 30.06.2013 and were declared successful. Respondent brings to notice judgements of the Apex Court wherein it had been held as follows:
  • In Nirmal Chandra Sinha v. Union of India, C.A.No.8058 of 2001 decided on 31.03.2008 that a promotion takes effect from the date of being granted and not from the date of occurrence of vacancy or creation of the post.
  • Respondent also quotes Tribunal's order in O.A. No. 145/2010 which held that it is settled law that the promotion takes effect from the date of being granted and not from the date of occurrence of vacancy or creation of posts. 

12. We hold the view that the above orders are not applicable when the seniority of a select group similarly placed is depressed on account of date of examination being deferred and which had an impact on determining All Indian Seniority.

13. Respondent argues that such a situation did not exist in any other circle and the examination was conducted in all circles except Kerala. Respondent quotes Apex Court in State of Mysore v. G.N. Purohit, 1967 SLR (SC) 753, that it is said on behalf of the respondents that as their chances of promotion have been affected their conditions of service have been changed to their disadvantage. We see no force in this argument because chances of promotion are not conditions of service.

14. Annexure A.1 recruitment rules stipulate that the posts of Postmaster Grade II are to be filled up by promotion from the officials in Postmaster Grade I, in the pay band 1 of Rs.5200-20200 + Grade Pay Rs2800/- with six years of regular service in the Grade including regular service, if any, in Lower Selection Grade and applicants did not possess this prescribed qualification. The applicants become eligible for consideration only in April/May 2020 if May 2014 was taken as date of recruitment.

The applicants are attempting to substitute 'Grade Pay' with 'Grade' Postmaster Grade I in Pay Band Rs.5200-20200 + Grade Pay Rs.2800 cited in the recruitment rules. Six years of regular service in the Grade mentioned in the latter part of the rule cited in para 3 above categorically means six years of regular service in Postmaster Grade I and not six years of service in the Grade Pay of Rs.2800/- as the rule has to be read in its entirety and not in parts.

15. It was clarified by the Directorate vide letter No.4-17/2008-SPB II dated 10.02.2011 (Para 2.4) that the posts will be deemed to have been designated as Postmaster Grade I, Postmaster Grade II and Postmaster Grade III with effect from the dates those are filled up and if for certain number of posts, the general line officials do not apply, those SOs/HOs would continue to be manned by General line officials till the posts are filled by promotion from the lower grade of postmasters as per Annexure

A 2. creation of cadre notification. In accordance with Annexure A2, 36 posts in General line HSG II and 35 posts in General line HSG I were identified for Postmaster Grade II and Grade III respectively. Out of the 36 posts in PM Grade II only 8 posts could be filled up from amongst the willing officials in the HSG II cadre under the initial constitution process. In accordance with Annexure A1, a DPC was convened on 05.06.2015 to consider 18 officials in PM Grade I who were eligible for promotion to PM Grade II since they had completed six years of service in PM Grade I cadre including regular service in the LSG cadre. 17 eligible officials were promoted to Postmaster Grade II vide Memo No. ST/3-1/PM Grade II/2013 dated 10.07.2015 and in the case of one official, the proceedings of the DPC is kept in a sealed cover in view of the currency of the penalty. The applicants in this O.A.will be duly considered for promotion when their turn comes, in accordance with the recruitment rules governing the field. The respondents argues that eligibility of being considered for promotion to the Grade of Postmaster Grade II is six years of regular service in Postmaster Grade I and not in the grade pay of Rs.2800/- as construed by the applicants.

16. We have heard the learned counsel appearing on both sides and perused the records.

17. This case was argued with O.A. No.351/2016. The circumstances in this case are different as the delay was not on account of applicants but arose due to a case awaiting decision of the Apex Court for promotion of Postal Assistants to LSG cadre, the LSG cadre being the initiation feeder cadre for PM Grade I. The applicants however bring to our notice that as per Annexure A11 (1) and A11(2) NIC Supreme Court Case Status Report produced, which indicate that SLP (Civil)18876 of 2011 filed by UOI and Anr vs. M.P. Sudhakaran Nair and 18880 of 2011 filed by UOI and Ors. v. N.J.Tom Thomas & Ors was disposed of on 8.7.2011 one month after all India scheduled date of examination. The disposal of the cases by the Apex Court gave a quietus to the LSG seniority matter and the promotion to LSG and their subsequent fitness for initiation to Post Master Grade I could have been finalised immediately thereafter and exam for unfilled vacancies of Post Master Grade I followed, and initial constitution clause been completed. Or a second option would have been to hold the examination on schedule date in Kerala stating that the result will be finalised based on number of unfilled posts arising out of the final disposal of SLP's followed by initiation by option to PM Grade I, and resultant vacancies arising for filling up by examination. This would have established applicants rank in the examination, and date of entry based on their date of joining of immediate junior in the all India rank list after the initiation clause was operated. However in the absence of such a decision at the appropriate time, it is left to the Tribunal to find a solution to this matter which was not appropriately handled. Whereas we agree that had the exam results been declared, before obtaining the willingness of eligible LSG officials, it would have been injustice to them. But we also note that by delaying entry by examination for unfilled vacancies and determining their seniority along with others similarly placed by an All India Examination was also injustice to the applicants. For no fault attributable to them, their seniority was depressed. The circumstances could have been moulded to prevent such a depression.

18. Whereas we note that respondents cannot be solely held responsible for the litigation which caused the delay, they could have moulded their response to the creation of the cadre by examination. The examination could have been held as scheduled and the result kept as undeclared subject to the finalisation of the court case and finalization of the initiation process. Applicants prayer is for pre-dating the appointments made pursuant to LDCE in a manner as if the right thing was done at the right time. The claim is for appointment to be made to the Postmaster Grade I cadre from the date on which such appointment were made to those similarly placed in other circles based on a common examination. There was no judicial stay to hold examination in Kerala. However the determination of examination based vacancies, subsequent to following the initiation based filling up of posts, was an unknown factor due to pending litigation. Though this was a bottleneck, it was not an insurmountable one. The examination result of Kerala Circle could have been withheld, pending finalisation of LSG seniority and initiation to Postmaster Grade I entry cadre in the Circle which would define the number of vacancies to be filled by examination.

19. We also note that applicants have been recruited according to a notified recruitment rule and in their claim for seniority they have prayed for being treated at par with applicants to the cadre of Postmaster Grade I, Examination 2011 at par with others similarly placed with effect from June 2011. Hence we would not recommend a different treatment as far as first relief is concerned. We therefore, allow the first prayer of applicants to grant notional promotion to applicants with effect from dates on
which such promotions were granted to the last candidate for the examination conducted in 2011. Applicants will be treated as placed at the bottom of the all India seniority list of 2011 exam, as their interpolation in the list of actual entrants to PM Gr.I 2011 Exam would cause injustice, to those who actually appeared in the 2011 exam and whose seniority stands determined.

20. Applicants argue that there are a lot of vacancies of Postmaster Grade II, available in the Kerala Circle. As per Col 12 of the rules, 'Postmaster Grade I, in the pay band 1 of Rs.5200-20200 + Grade pay Rs.2800/- with six years of regular service in the Grade including regular service in Lower Selection Grade' is entitled to be considered for promotion. Based on the rule quoted applicants argue that they have more than six years of regular service as on date in the scale of Rs.5200-20200 + Grade pay 2800, on the ground that they are granted MACP I in 2008. [ Emphasis provided for understanding Recruitment Rule]. Applicants are taking advantage of absence of the designation Postmaster Grade I being mentioned in the latter part of the recruitment rule quoted above. Whereas in the former part of the rule it is clearly stated that Grade Pay Rs.2800/- should be drawn in the grade of Postmaster Grade I. Hence the hair splitting interpretation to read Grade Pay without the designation attached is not acceptable. Hence as regards the second prayer the applicants will also be treated at par with all the similarly placed persons of 2011 Examination as per provisions of Annexure A1`Recruitment Rules, and the manner in which qualifying service of similarly placed persons of 2011 Examination for promotion to PM Grade II was determined. Accordingly the second prayer is dismissed.

21. O.A. is disposed of accordingly allowing the first prayer only. No order as to costs.

(Mrs. P. Gopinath) (N.K. Balakrishnan)
Administrative Member Judicial Member
 

Looking to open a PPF account? Here are 7 things to consider

Looking to open a PPF account? Here are 7 things to consider

By Sunil Dhawan, ECONOMICTIMES.COM 

Even after several decades, Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme, 1968 continues to be a favourite savings avenue for several investors. After all, the principal and the interest earned have a sovereign guarantee and the returns are tax-free. The principal invested qualifies for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and the interest earned is tax exempt under Section 10. 
 
With interest rates on taxable fixed income investments coming down, PPF remains a suitable alternative for allocating debt portion of one's investment portfolio. Allocation to equities through diversified equity mutual funds is equally important, especially when the goals are at least seven years away. 

In 1968-69, PPF offered a 4 per cent per annum interest (inflation was -1 per cent) and today it offers 8 per cent (inflation at 5 per cent), while from 1986-2000 it offered 12 per cent (inflation varied between 3.3 and 13.7 per cent). 

PPF is a 15-year scheme, which can be extended indefinitely in block of 5 years. It can be opened in a designated post office or a bank branch. It can also be opened online with few banks. One is allowed to transfer a PPF account from a post office to a bank or vice versa. A person of any age can open a PPF account. Even those with an EPF account can open a PPF account. 

One can deposit a maximum of 12 times in a year, but remember to deposit before the 5th of the month to get interest for the full month, as the interest is allowed on the lowest balance at the credit of an account from the close of the 5th day and the end of the month. Many investors deposit a lump sum amount right at the beginning of the financial year. There are provisions to take loans and make partial withdrawals from the scheme as well. 

With the tax-saving season on, many of us are looking to open a PPF account. Here are a few things to consider before opening one. 

Effective interest 
PPF is a debt-oriented asset class, i.e., one's investment is not exposed to equities and hence returns are not linked to the stock market performance. The interest rate on PPF returns are set by government every quarter based on the yield (return) of government securities. Currently, it offers 8 per cent interest per annum till March 31, 2017. 

As the interest is tax-free, the effective pre-tax yield for someone paying tax at 10.3 per cent, 20.6 per cent and 30.9 per cent rates will be 8.91 per cent, 10.07 per cent and 11.57 per cent per annum respectively. 

Deposit limit 
While the minimum annual amount required to keep the account active is Rs 500, the maximum amount that can be deposited in a financial year is Rs 1.5 lakh. One can open a PPF account in one's own name or on behalf of a minor of whom he is the guardian. This is the combined limit of self and minor account. 

If contributions are in excess of Rs 1.5 lakh in a year, the excess deposits will be treated as irregular and will neither carry any interest nor will this excess amount be eligible for tax benefit under Section 80C. This excess amount will be refunded to the subscriber without any interest. 

PPF in the name of minor 
A PPF account on behalf of a minor can be opened by either father or mother. Both the parents cannot open a separate account for the same minor. An individual may, therefore, open one PPF account on behalf of each minor of whom he is the guardian. 

At times, grandparents are interested in opening PPF for their grandchildren. PPF rules however, do not allow them to do so, when the parents of the minor are alive. They can open the account only if they are appointed as legal guardian after the death of the parents. 

Number of accounts 
An individual can open only one account in his name either in a post office or a bank and he has to declare this in the application form for opening the account. Persons having a PPF account in the bank cannot open another account in the post office and vice-versa. 

If two accounts are opened by the subscriber in his name by mistake, the second account will be treated as irregular account and will not carry any interest unless the two accounts are amalgamated. For this, one has to write to the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) and get its approval. 

Premature closure of PPF account 
Unlike in the past, when only loans and partial withdrawals were allowed, now even premature closure of the PPF account is possible. It will, however, be allowed only after the account has completed five financial years and on specific grounds such as treatment of serious ailment or life threatening disease of the account holder, spouse or dependent children or parents, on the production of supporting documents from the competent medical authority. 

If the amount is required for higher education of the account holder or the minor account holder then, on production of documents and fee bills in confirmation of admission in a recognised institute of higher education in India or abroad, premature closure of the PPF account is allowed. 

Nomination 
The application form of PPF (Form-A) does not carry the provisions for nominations as it is to be filled in a separate form. Make sure to fill the nomination form (Form-E) at the time of opening a PPF account to avoid any legal hassles for the nominee later on. 

Attachment 
The PPF account and its balance cannot be attached by a court and hence the debtors cannot access one's PPF account to claim the dues, if any. However, it does not apply to the income tax authorities and so the amount standing to the credit of subscriber in the PPF account is liable to attachment under any order of income tax authorities with respect to debt or liability incurred by the subscriber. 

Conclusion 
PPF suits those investors who do not want volatility in returns akin to equity asset class. However, for long-term goals and especially when the inflation-adjusted target amount is high, it is better to take equity exposure, preferably through equity mutual funds, including ELSS tax saving funds. 

Comparing them, however, is not warranted as both are different asset classes, with one generating around 8 per cent returns as compared to the others around 12 per cent. The latter has a higher maturity corpus (with relatively more volatility) than the former (with relatively more volatility.) Diversifying one's savings in PPF and equities would serve the purpose rather than relying entirely on any one of them.
Source:-The Economic Times
 

Railways, postal department join hands in parcel business - Click here to view details

Railways, postal department join hands in parcel business

The Indian Railways and the Department of Posts on Monday entered into a partnership for facilitating parcel services utilising the space in the guard's compartment on selected trains, said an official.

The arrangement will help both the postal department and private players transport their parcels, according to an official press release.

"Parcel is the fastest moving freight business of the Indian Railways. Through this new Business Parcel Policy, not only India Post but any private player can also book space in trains for movement of their parcel," said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu while launching the scheme here.

Before rolling out this scheme on an all India basis, a test-run of the scheme was carried out on the Howrah-Dibrugarh Kamrup Express and Hyderabad-Nizamuddin Deccan Express.

"After the success of the test, today this scheme is being rolled out at all India level," he added.

As of now, the railways and the Department of Posts have selected five trains for this scheme.

 

Secy General's Meeting with CPMG

Today  Our Secretary General Shri.D.Theagarajan along with
Shri T.K.Govindarajan Vice President FNPO, ShriR.Ravichandran, Secretary  APSO  and   Shri.K.Kathirvel Secretary  TS CL met CPMG  Tamilnadu Circle  and discussed issues  related to TS CL of Chennai Sorting Divsion and Airmail sorting Division.

Inclusion of CGHS Wellness Centre

Inclusion of more areas in CGHS wellness Centre Jharoda Kalan - Click here to view details

Charges and incentive structure under NPS Lite w.e.f. 01.04.2017 - Click here to view the Circular

Thursday, 2 March 2017

Cadre review and Rotational transfer 2017- TN Circle

கேடர் மறுசீரமைப்பு சம்பந்தமாக மாநில நிர்வாக உத்திரவு 

முதல் கட்டமாக தமிழகத்தில் உள்ள 847 HSG II பதவிகளும் சுமார் 3000 LSG பதவிகளும் இனம் காணப்பட்டுள்ளது. 
அதன்படி 30 PA பணியிடம் LSG ஆக RLO, Foreign Post, CSD, PSD Chennai அலுவலகங்களிலும்,  43 PA பணியிடம் LSG ஆக கோட்ட அலுவலகத்திலும், 48 LSG பதவிகள் தலைமை அஞ்சலகங்களிலும் மாற்றப்படும்.  694 காசாளர் பணியிடங்கள் LSG பதவிக்கு உயர்த்தப்படும்.
ஒவ்வொரு தலைமை அஞ்சலகங்களுக்கும் ஒரு LSG பதவி CPC களில் ஏற்படுத்த பட்டுள்ளது. தமிழகத்தில் 41 LSG பதவிகள் BPC களில் ஏற்படுத்தபட்டுள்ளது.
ஏனைய அனைத்து Single Hand & Double Hand SOs அலுவலங்கங்களும் LSG பதவிகள் ஆக உயர்த்தப்படும். அந்தந்த அலுவலகங்களின் பட்டியல் முழுமையாக வெளியிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.

அதில் குறிப்பாக திருநெல்வேலி கோட்டத்தில் 65 Single Hand & Double Hand SOs ம் அதனுடன் இணைந்து கோட்ட அலுவலகத்தில் ஒரு பணியிடம்
மூன்று தலைமை அஞ்சலகங்களிலும் CPC களில் PA பணியிடம் LSG ஆக மாற்றப்படும். மூன்று தலைமை அஞ்சலகங்களிலும் ஒவ்வொரு  PA பணியிடம் LSG ஆக மாற்றப்படும். வள்ளியூர் துணை அஞ்சலகத்தில் ஒரு எழுத்தர் பதவி LSG ஆக மாற்றப்படும். இவற்றுடன் 21 அலுவலகங்களில் காசாளர் PA பணியிடம் LSG ஆக மாற்றப்படும். பாளையங்கோட்டை தலைமை அஞ்சலகங்கத்தில் BPC ல் LSG பணியிடம் ஏற்படுத்தபட்டுள்ளது. ஆக மொத்தமாக 94 பதவிகள் LSG பதவியாக மாறுகிறது. 
   


Calendar of Departmental Examinations scheduled to be held in the Year 2017-18

Calendar of Departmental Examinations scheduled to be held in the Year 2017-18


Monday, 27 February 2017

7th CPC - Announcement for higher allowances after Assembly election results

7th Pay Commission: Announcement for higher allowances after Assembly election results- 

Details Below.

7th Pay Commission: Announcement for higher allowances after Assembly election results

New Delhi, February 25: Almost eight months have been passed now and the Central government employees are waiting to receive higher allowances under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations in their paychecks. Some reports suggest that the government is likely to make an announcement on higher allowances after assembly elections results of five states which will be declared on March 11.
In June 2016, the union government approved the recommendations made by the high-powered committee on 7th Pay Commission and promised to pay higher basic pay with arrears, effective from January 1, 2016. But the hike in allowances other than the Dearness Allowances (DA) is yet to materialise.

The recommendations made by the 7th Pay Commission was wrapped up in June 2016, but more than 53 lakh central government employees are not given any assurances, as they are still waiting for payments owed them ie: higher allowances.

Some reports suggest that the delays are because the ‘Committee on Allowances’ headed by Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa had recommended to abolish 51 allowances and subsuming 37 other allowances out of 196 allowances.

Earlier the Committee on Allowances were initially given a time of four months to submit its report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. In October 2016, Ashok Lavasa was quoted by some media organisation saying he was ready with the report.

However the committee was given an extension till February 22, 2017, to submit its report in the backdrop of demonetisation and the government said that the cash crunch was the reason behind the delay in announcing the higher allowances.

Once the Assembly elections are over in five states, the government is likely to clear the nod to revise allowances. Some reports suggest that the revised allowances are expected to be effective from April 1, which marks the beginning of the new financial year.

According to The Sen Times report, which quoted a source said that the report on Committee on Allowances states the current HRA slab is 30 per cent of the basic pay for metros. An announcement on the same is expected soon.

On the other side, the 7th Pay Commission had recommended reducing the house rent allowance (HRA) to 24 per cent of basic pay as against the 30 per cent of basic pay employees were drawing under the 6th Pay Commission.

Sources Confirmed Allowance Committee Report Submitted

Sources Confirmed Allowance Committee Report Submitted

One of the NJCA leader, On Condition of Anonymity, told that the committee constituted to examine the allowance has finalised its reports and submitted it to the Government on 22nd February 2017.

On asking whether the NJCA knew the details of the committee report, he said that they were not provided with the committee report. But the committee has informed them that their demand on allowance would be considered favourably.

Hence it is expected the HRA will be retained in old rates (Sixth CPC rates) from the beginning itself and will be paid in 7th CPC Pay Scale when revised allowances come into effect. However, the news of revised allowances would be implemented with effect from 1.4.2017 is not reliable. NJCA will not accept this and clearly said that it should be implemented with effect from 1.1.2016 retrospectively.

X cities- 30%
Y cities- 20%
Z cities- 10%hra

Transport Allowance may be split into two elements as CCA and TA as it was paid in fifth CPC. The Rates will be delinked from DA and will Be Fixed in slab rates.

The Government will announce its decision over the committee report after the last phase of state elections ie after 8th March 2017.

Action Taken Statement of Standing Committee and National Anomaly Committee after 6th CPC

Action Taken Statement of Standing Committee and National Anomaly Committee after 6th CPC

F.No. 11/1/20156-JCA
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 21st February, 2017

To
Shri Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary,
National Council Staff-Side(JCM),
13-C, Ferozshah Road,
New Delhi.

Subject:-
1. Standing Committee meeting held on 25.10.2016- ATS reg.
2. ATS in respect of NAC meetings held after 6th CPC

Sir,
1. I am directed to refer to the discussion held in the Standing Committee meeting on 25.10.2016 under the Chairmanship of Secretary(P) in DOPT, and to send herewith a copy of an Action Taken Statement (ATS) in respect of 19 items on which discussion was held in that meeting. The information in respect of the other items also discussed in the same meeting will be sent upon receipt of the ATS from other Ministries/Departments which is still awaited.

2.Additionally, as discussed in the same meeting, a copy of the ATS on the itemsdiscussed in the first 4 meetings of the National Anomaly Committee (NAC) during the 6kh CPC regime, and as circulated with the O.M. no. 11/1/2015-JCA dated 19.06.2015 is also being sent herewith once again for your perusal.

As regards the ATS of the two NAC meeting held on 29.05.2015 and 09.06.2015 they are being Seperately.

3.Holding the next meeting of the Standing Committee is also under consideration.It is, therefore, requested that new agenda items which the Staff-Side consider for discussion in the next meeting may be sent to the DOPT urgently.

Yours faithfully,

(D.K.Sengupta)
Deputy Secretary(JCA)

Admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance while on deputation.

Admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance while on deputation.

As per Para 8.3.2 of the O.M. dated 17th June 2010, i.e. only up to the fifth year
 DOPT ORDER
No. 2/6/2016-Estt.(Pay-II)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel and Training
North Block, New Delhi
Dated: 23rd February 2017
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance while on deputation – regarding.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 17th February 2016 vide which powers were delegated to Ministries / Departments / borrowing organisations to extend deputation tenures up to a period not exceeding 7 years at a stretch, in respect of cases covered by the O.M. dated 17th June 2010.
2. The matter regarding the admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance in view of the change in maximum number of years of deputation tenure as provided above has been examined in this Department.
3. As per Para 8.3.2 of the OM No. 6/8/2009-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 17th June 2010, where the extension is granted up to the fifth year, the official concerned will continue to be allowed Deputation (Duty) Allowance, if he/she has opted to draw deputation (duty) allowance.
4. This Department’s O.M. No. 2/6/2016-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 17th February 2016 delegates powers to Ministries / Departments / borrowing organisations, to extend deputation tenures up to a period of 7 years in a stretch, in respect of cases covered by the O.M. dated 17th June 2010. However, there has been no modification of the Para 8.3.2. of the O.M. dated 17th June 2010 by the O.M. dated 17th February 2016. The new O.M. dated 17th February 2016 provides vide Para 4 that all other terms and conditions issued vide OM No. 6/8/2009-Estt.(Pay-II) dated 17th June 2010 will remain unchanged.
5. Thus, admissibility of Deputation (Duty) Allowance would be only as per Para 8.3.2 of the O.M. dated 17th June 2010, i.e. only up to the fifth year, if the deputationist has opted to draw Deputation (Duty) Allowance.
(A.K. Jain)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India

SG FNPO at New Delhi

Today (23.02.2017) SG FNPO and Shri N. Ramappa, General Secretary, NUR 'IV' met Chairman Postal Board and discussed the following issues:
1) Abolition of Group 'C' and Group 'D' posts of ADR plan.
2) Conversion of Guntakkal RMS in to L1 office permanently.
3) One time relaxation to the Postal Employees who availed LTC 80 air travel.
Outcome of the meeting: 
1) It will be considered
2) Accepted
3) Postal Services Board will take final decision.

How a member of deceased employee can apply for Family Pension ?

How a member of deceased employee can apply for Family Pension ? 

Family Pension – Form 14 – How to apply for granting family pension on the death of Government servant/ pensioner/ family pensioner.

Family Pension can be claimed by submitting Form 14 in case of death of Government servant/ pensioner/ family pensioner.
Family pension to spouse is sanctioned and authorized at the time pension is authorized in favour of retiring government servant and indicated in the pension payment order and is to be drawn after the death of the pensioner. However, in cases where Govt. servant expired while in service, the widow or widower has to apply in Form 14 (of CCS Pension Rules) to the Head of Office concerned who will sanction and authorize the family pension through its Pay & Accounts Officer. Where the deceased Govt. servant is survived only by a child or children, the guardian (in case of minor child/children) or such child or children may submit a claim in Form 14 to the Head of office for sanction and authorization of family pension. For getting family pension, the deceased pensioner’s family should apply in Form no.14 along with a copy of the death certificate of the deceased Pensioner to:
(1) The pension disbursing authority if, the amount of family pension is already indicated in the Pension Payment Order.
(2) The Head of Office for sanction of family pension in all other cases.
If the pensioner has Joint Account with the spouse on either or survivor basis the spouse has to submit the death certificate of the pensioner along with simple application only to activate the family pension.

PM Shares His Thoughts on IPPB

Video - PM Shares His Thoughts on IPPB / भारतीय पोस्टल पेमेंट बेंक पर माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेन्द्र मोदीजी का द्रष्टिकोण - Click here to view video

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