DA Likely To Be Hiked By 6% As No CPI-IW Rose Last 5 Months

 The central government employees have become entitled to 6 percent additional Dearness Allowance (DA) from January 1, 2015, even as the Consumer Price Index number for Industrial Workers remained stationary for the fifth month in a row.

 

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

The Consumer Price Index number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), which is used as a basis for computation of dearness allowance for central government employees, remained stationary at 253 in December 2014, an official release said.

The index was at the same level in previous month.

However, the 12-month moving average of CPI-IW moved from 240 in July to 246 in January 2015 and consequently the additional DA of employees would go up from 107 per cent to 113 per cent from January 1, 2015, labour bureau sources said here.

The inflation based on CPI-IW increased to 5.86 per cent in December 2014, from 4.12 per cent in November.

Food inflation based on the index too jumped to 5.73 per cent during the month, from 2.56 per cent in previous month.

Prove Identity Or No Action On Graft Complaints: CVC

New Delhi: The Central Vigilance Commission has decided to ascertain the authenticity of complainants informing it about corruption in central government departments before initiating any probe on the basis of their complaints.

 

File Photo-Vigilance Commissioner Rajeev

The move, officials say, is aimed at checking fraudulent or malicious complaints, which often crop up against a government official being considered for a particular posting to delay grant of vigilance clearance to him.

“All Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) are informed that henceforth, the Commission would be seeking confirmation from the complainant for owning or disowning the complaint, as the case may be,” the anti-corruption watchdog said in a directive.

The CVOs, who act as distant arm of the Commission, have also been asked to seek confirmation on graft complaints received by them from the complainants.

“As regards complaints received directly by the CVOs of ministries, departments or organisations, if a complaint contains specific and verifiable allegations of corruption or vigilance angle and it is proposed to take cognizance of such complaints, the complaint will be first sent to the complainant for owning or disowning,” the directive said.

If no response is received within from the complainant within 15 days of sending the complaint, a reminder will be sent. 15 days after sending the reminder, if still nothing is heard, the said complaint may be filed as pseudonymous by the CVO and no inquiry or investigation be initiated on them, it said.

Recruitment Rules of Central Government Employees – FAQs

There are many questions are raised  regarding Recruitment Rules for Central Government Employees  particularly after the 6CPC implementation. The Department of Personnel and Training (DOP&T) published  FAQs on Recruitment Rules at the right time. The FAQs on Recruitment Rules which is published in DOPT is given below

No. AB.14017/13/2013-Estt. (RR) (1349)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
North Block, New Delhi

FAQs on Recruitment Rules

1. What are Recruitment Rules?

Ans. Recruitment Rules are rules notified under proviso to Article 309 or any specific statutes for post(s) prescribing inter alia the method of recruitment and eligibility for such recruitment. It contains notification part having substantive rules and schedule part (as per prescribed Annexure-I). Recruitment Rules are subordinate legislation and so, they are statutory in nature.

2. What are Service Rules?

Ans. Service Rules are Recruitment Rules for any of the Organized Central Services covering many aspects including constitution of the Service, seniority, probation and other conditions of service.

3. Whether Recruitment Rules are applicable retrospectively?

Ans. The legal position is that the posts are to be filled up as per the eligibility conditions prescribed in the Recruitment Rules in force at the time of occurrence of vacancies unless the Recruitment Rules are amended retrospectively. The practice has however been to give effect to the Recruitment Rules prospectively.

4. Why are Recruitment Rules framed?

Ans. As soon as decision is taken to create a new post’ service to upgrade any post or re-structure any service, the Recruitment Rules/ Service Rules are framed. Any post is fiLled up as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules! Service Rules.

5. Why are Recruitment Rules amended?

Ans. Revision in the Recruitment Rules is made by way of amendment to incorporate changes due to implementation of Central Pay Commission Report, modification of orders! instructions on the subject, creation! abolition of posts etc. during the intervening period.

6. How Recruitment Rules are framed! amended?

Ans. Recruitment Rules for Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ posts! service are framed! amended by the administrative Ministry/Department in consultation with Department of Personnel & Training, Union Public Service Commission and Ministry of Law (Legislative Department) and approval of competent authority in the Ministry! Department to be obtained.

7. Why and how are Recruitment Rules relaxed?

Ans. The power to relax clause in the Recruitment Rules! Service Rules provides the authority to relax the rules in respect of class or category of person. The administrative Ministry! Department may resort to relaxation of the rules in consultation with Department of Personnel & Training and Union Public Service Commission.

8. Who is competent authority to frame/amend the Recruitment Rules?

Ans. All Recruitment Rules including their amendments should be approved at the level of Minister-in-charge, unless the Minister has by general or special order delegated such approval at a lower level(s).

9. Who is competent authority to frame/amend the Recruitment Rules of Group ‘C’ posts?

Ans. Administrative Ministries! Departments are empowered to frame! amend the Recruitment Rules in respect of Group ‘C’ posts keeping in view the guidelines! Model Recruitment Rules issued by this Department on various aspects. In case of deviation from existing guidelines! Model Recruitment Rules, the concurrence of Department of Personnel & Training is to be obtained.

10. Who is competent authority to relax the Recruitment Rules of Group ‘C’ posts?

Ans. The Ministries! Departments are competent to relax the Recruitment Rules for Group ‘C’ posts. The provisions governing upper age limit or qualifications for direct recruitment should not however be relaxed without prior concurrence of Department of Personnel & Training.

11. What is the format! procedure to send the proposal for consultation with Department of Personnel & Training for framing/amendment of Recruitment Rules?

Ans. Proposal for framing! amendment of Recruitment Rules for Group ‘A’ & Group ‘B’ posts (except Service Rules) is sent to Department of Personnel & Training, first, on-line under Recruitment Rules Framing Amendment and Monitoring System (RRFAMS) of the on-line services of Department of Personnel & Training. After approval of on-line Recruitment Rules in Department of Personnel & Training, the proposal is referred by the Administrative Ministry! Department in a file with a self-contained note accompanied inter alia the following: –
(i) Check-list for sending proposal to Department of Personnel & Training.
(ii) Copy of the report of freezed on-line Recruitment Rules.
(iii) Draft Recruitment Rules including notification and Schedule 1 (for posts other than those in the Organized Services) in the proforma in Annexure I

(iv) Supporting particulars in Annexure II (for framing of Recruitment Rules)/ Annexure-HI (for amendment of Recruitment Rules), as prescribed in Department of Personnel & Training OM No. AB.14017/48/2010-Estt. (RR) dated 3 1.12.2010.
(v) Recruitment Rules for the feeder posts(s) and the higher post, if any. (vi) Present sanctioned strength of the post for which rules are being framed/amended as also of the lower and higher posts.

12. What are model Recruitment Rules?

Ans. Model Recruitment Rules for a number of common categories of posts have been framed in consultation with Union Public Service Commission, wherever required. While framing! amending Recruitment Rules for such posts, the model rules should be adhered to.

13. What is procedure for consultation with Union Public Service Commission?

Ans. After obtaining the concurrence of the Department of Personnel & Training, the Administrative Ministry I Department should refer the draft Recruitment Rules for posts? services which are within the purview of the Union Public Service Commission in a self-contained letter to the Commission, along with the information in the prescribed proforma (Check list, Annexure 11/ Annexure-ifi etc.). It should be stated in the letter to the Commission whether the clearance of the Department of Personnel & Training (and also the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare were required) has been obtained in respect of the proposals in question.

14. What is initial constitution clause in Recruitment Rules?
Ans. In cases where a new service is formed and the Recruitment Rules are framed for the first time and that there are officers already holding different categories of posts proposed to be included in the service on a regular / long term basis, a suitable ‘Initial Constitution’ Clause may be inserted in the Notification so as to count the regular service rendered by such officers before the date of notification of the Rules.

15. Whether reservation, relaxation of age limit and other concessions for special categories of persons are applicable in Recruitment Rules?

Ans. These concessions in recruitments are made applicable by inserting the following ‘Saving Clause’ in the covering notification of the Recruitment Rules:“
Nothing in those rules shall affect reservations, relaxation of age-limit and other concessions required to be provided for the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes, Ex-servicemen and other special categories of persons, in accordance with the orders issued by the Central Government from time to time in this regard”.

16. What is the schedule in Recruitment Rules?

Ans. The schedule of Recruitment Rules of post(s) is a 13 columns table as per prescribed Annexure-I (vide OM No. AB-14017/48/20l0-Esft. (RR) dated 3 1.12.2010) containing details of the post(s) along with method of recruitment and eligibility criteria. The prescribed schedule is used for post(s) which are not covered by any organized service.

17. What is notification part of Recruitment Rules?

Ans. Notification of Recruitment Rules contains the substantive rules which include the provisions related to title, date of commencement, enabling provision for applicability of schedule, disqualification clause, power to relax clause, saving clause and any other rule specific to a post viz, initial constitution clause, liability for all-India Service etc.

18. What are the upper age limits prescribed for Direct Recruitment?

Ans. The upper age limits for different posts depend upon the nature of duties, educational qualifications and experience requirements as prescribed in this Department OM No. AB- 14017/48/201 0-Estt (RR) dated 31 .1 2.2010 (Para 3.7.4.1 & 3.7.4.2).

19. What are relaxations available for upper age limit in direct Recruitment Rules?

Ans. A provision is prescribed in the recruitment rules for relaxation of the upper age-limit for departmental candidates up to 40 years for appointment by direct recruitment to Groups C posts and for Government servants up to 5 years for direct recruitment to Groups A and B posts:

20. How to calculate crucial date for age limit?

Ans. In the case of recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission and the Staff Selection Commission, the crucial date for determining the age- limit shall be as advertised by the UPSC / SSC. In the case of other recruitment, the crucial date for determining the age-limit shall be the closing date for receipt of applications from candidates in India (and not the closing date prescribed for those in Assam etc.).

21. How is the educational and other qualification required for direct recruit fixed?

Ans. The minimum educational qualifications and experience required for direct recruitment may be indicated as precisely as possible and if necessary, into two parts, viz., “Essential Qualifications” and “Desirable Qualifications” taking into account the pay band! grade pay and the nature of duties, and the provisions in the approved Recruitment Rules for similar higher and lower posts in the same hierarchy.

22. Whether the educational qualifications prescribed for direct recruits are applicable to promotees?

Ans. The educational qualifications are not generally insisted upon in the case of promotion to posts of non-technical nature; but for scientific and technical posts, these should be insisted upon, in the interest of administrative efficiency, at least in the case of senior Group A posts in the Pay Band-3 Grade Pay Rs. 6600 and above. Sometimes the qualifications for junior Group A posts and Group B posts may not be insisted upon in full but only the basic qualification in the discipline may be insisted upon.

23. Whether any age limit prescribed for promotion?

Ans. Unless there are any specific grounds, the age limit prescribed for direct recruits are not insisted upon in the case of promotees.

24. When probation for appointment to a post/service in Central Government is prescribed? What is the duration of probation?

Ans. The probation is prescribed when there is direct recruitment, promotion from one Group to another e.g. Group B to Group A or officers re-employed before the age of superannuation. There will be no probation for promotion from one grade to another but within the same group of posts e.g. from Group ‘C’ to Group ‘C’ and for appointment on contract basis, tenure basis, re-employment after superannuation and absorption. The period of probation is as prescribed in this Department OM No. AB-14017/48/2010-Estt (RR) dated 3 1.12.2010 (Para 3.10.1 & 3.10.2).

25. What are the methods of recruitments?

Ans. The different methods of recruitment are:
(a) Promotion
(b) Direct Recruitment
(c) Deputation
(d) Absorption
(e) Re-employment
(f) Short-term contract

26. How is the method of recruitment or percentage of vacancies to be filled by various methods of recruitment decided?

Ans. The percentage of vacancies to be filled by each method that may be prescribed for a particular post or Service depend on a judicious blending of several considerations, e.g.,
(i) the nature of duties, qualifications and experience required;
(ii) the availability of suitable personnel possessing, the requisite qualifications and experience within a cadre. .
(iii) The need for ensuring that suitable incentives exist for the maintenance of an adequate standard of efficiency in the cadre;
(iv) Consideration of the question whether, having regard to the role to be performed by a specified cadre or Service, it is necessary to provide for direct intake of officers at an appropriate level with a view to injecting fresh knowledge and experience that may not be normally available in a particular Service or Department etc.
(v) The proper mix of the six methods of recruitment i.e. (a) promotion (b) direct recruitment (c) deputation (d) absorption (e) re-employment (I) short-term contract (mentioned at (a) to (f) above).

27. What is promotion?

Ans. Promotion is method of recruitment from feeder grade post(s) to higher post in the hierarchy as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules. If promotion is kept as a method of recruitment, it is also necessary to lay down the number of years of qualif5ring service before the persons in the field become eligible for promotion. Only regular, and not ad hoc, period of service is taken into account for purposes of computing this service.

28. What is Direct Recruitment?

Ans. Direct recruitment is the recruitment which is open to all candidates, eligible as per the provisions regarding age, educational qualification! experience etc. as prescribed in Recruitment Rules.

29. What is Deputation?

Ans. Deputation is a method of recruitment where officers of Central Government Departments or State! UT Governments from outside are appointed to post(s) in Central Government for a limited period, by the end of which they will have to return to their parent cadres. In case of isolated post, it is desirable to keep the method of recruitment of deputation! short term contract as otherwise the incumbents of such posts, if directly recruited, will not have any avenue of promotion! career progression.

30. What is short term contract?

Ans. Short term contract is also a form of deputation where officers from non-
Government bodies e.g. universities, research institutions, public sector undertakings for teaching, research, scientific and technical post(s) can come to Central Government posts.

31. Whether absorption and Deputation are synonymous? What is absorption?

Ans. Absorption and deputation are not synonymous. There is a substantial difference between absorption and deputation. Under the provision absorption, the officer, who initially comes on deputation, may be permanently absorbed in the post! grade if recruitment rules prescribe for absorption as mode of recruitment. Such absorption can be effected only in the case of officers who are on deputation from the Central I State Government.

32. What is composite method of recruitment?

Ans. In cases where the field of promotion or feeder grade consists of only one post, the method of recruitment by “deputation (including short-term contract) / promotion” is prescribed so that the eligible departmental officer is considered along with outsiders. If the departmental candidate is selected for appointment to the post; it is to be treated as having been filled by promotion; otherwise, the post is to be filled by deputation I short-term contract for the prescribed period of deputation / short-term contract at the end of which the departmental officer will again be afforded an opportunity to be considered for appointment to the post.

33. How is field of deputation decided?

Ans. The field for “deputation! short-term contract! absorption should, as far as possible, consist of officers holding analogous posts on regular basis but may be widened to include officers working in the next lower grade also with the qualifying service on regular basis normally prescribed for promotion.

34. How is the period of qualifying service for promotion decided?

Ans. The qualifying service for promotion from one grade to another is necessary so that there is no premature promotion or undue jump in pay and also to ensure that the officer has sufficient opportunity to demonstrate his competence/potential for holding the higher post. The period of qualifying service varies from post to post depending upon the scale of pay and the experience, required for manning the higher post. Broadly, the following qualifying service to be followed is prescribed in this Department OM No. AB1 4017/48/2010-Estt (R.R) dated 31.12.2010 (para 3.12.2).

35. What is the maximum age limit for Deputation?

Ans. The maximum age limit for appointment on deputation (including short term contract) or absorption shall be not exceeding 56 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications.

36. What is the crucial date for determination of eligibility of absorption) deputation?

Ans. The guidelines for crucial date for determination of eligibility for absorption! deputation are as follows: –
(i) In the case of a vacancy already existing at the time of issue of the communication inviting nominations, the eligibility may be determined with reference to the last date prescribed for receipt of nominations in the Ministry/ Department! Organization responsible for making appointment to the post i.e. originating Ministry etc.
(ii) In the case where a vacancy is anticipated, the crucial date for determining eligibility should be the date on which the vacancy is expected to arise.

37. How is Departmental Committee formed?

Ans. When promotion is kept as a method of recruitment, the detailed composition of the Departmental Promotion Committee, with minimum 3 officers, may be indicated. In the case of promotion to Group ‘A’ posts, the Union Public Service Commission shall also be associated. The total strength of DPC including Chairman need not necessarily be an odd number, as the decision is to be taken as a joint one.

38. What are the circumstances in which Union Public Service Commission is to be consulted for recruitment?

Ans. 1.JPSC is required to consult in case of recruitment to all Central Civil Services and Central Civil Posts. Exemption from Consultation with Union Public Service Commission is governed by the Union Public Service Commission (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations, 1958 as amended from time to time and the Central Civil Services and Civil Posts (Consultation with Union Public Commission) Rules, 1999 as amended. Some of the circumstances in which the Union Public Service Commission are to be consulted in making recruitment to the posts are illustrated below: i) Direct Recruitment,
(ii) Re-employment,
(iii) Absorption,
(iv) Composite method of recruitment (i.e. where the departmental candidate
is to be considered along with outsiders),
(v) In case of deputation — (a) if the field for consideration includes State Government Officers or Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ officers of the Central Government simultaneously and (b) if the field for consideration consists of not only Central/State Government officers but also officers from nonG overnment institutions
(vi) Any relaxation or amendment of the provisions of the Recruitment Rules.

39. Whether recruitment to a post can be made in absence of recruitment rules of a post?

Ans. If there are overriding compulsions for filling any Group A or Group B post in the absence of Recruitment Rules, then the Ministries! Department may make reference to Union Public Service Commission for determination of method of recruitment as a onetime measure for filling up of a post on regular basis.

40. What are the limits for notification of Recruitment Rules?

Ans. The Recruitment Rules or amendment(s) thereto as finally approved by the Union Public Service Commission are required to be notified within a period of 10 weeks from the date of receipt of their advice letter. This time limit should be strictly adhered to.

41. What needs to be done in case where posts are transferred to some other Ministries/Departments?

Ans. The Ministry/Departments concerned should mutually agree for transfer of the posts and the same should be concurred by Department of Expenditure. Thereafter, the existing RR needs to be de-notified in consultation of Department of Personnel & Training, Union Public Service Commission and Ministry of Law. Suitable recruitment rules in the transferred Department may be framed? amended following due procedure.

 source : DOPT

Link : [http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/AB.14017_13_2013-Estt-RR.pdf]

Review of Model Calendar for the Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) being conducted by the Ministries/Departments

G.I., Dep. of Per. Trg., O.M.No. 22011/4/2013-Estt.(D), dated 28.1.2015

Subject: Review of Model Calendar for the Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) being conducted by the Ministries / Departments.

Reference is drawn to this Department’s instructions on Model calendar for DPCs vide O.M. No.22011/9/98-Estt (D) dated 8th September, 1998. The Model Calendar envisages initiating action in advance of the commencement of the vacancy year so as to have the approved select panels ready before start of the vacancy year and ensure timely promotions of employees.

2. The Annual Performance Assessment Reports (APAR) schedule separately provide a time schedule for preparation/completion of APARs O.M. No.21011/1/2005-Estt.(A) (Pt.II) dated 23rd July, 2009. The crucial date of eligibility is 1st April of the vacancy year (Financial year based vacancy year) and 1st January (Calendar year based vacancy year) as per O.M. No.22011/6/2013-Estt(D) dated 28th May, 2014.

3. The schedule of Model Calendar for conduct of DPCs in line with the time schedule for completion of APARs so that the panel as approved by the Competent Authority is available before the commencement of the vacancy year has been further examined. It has been decided to reschedule the time frame for the DPCs being conducted by Ministries/Departments themselves as below:-

4. It has been decided to make the aforesaid Model Calendar for DPCs operational with effect from April 1, 2015 in relation to the financial year based vacancy year 2016-17 commencing from April 1, 2016. In the case of calendar year-based vacancy year commencing from January 1, 2016, the Model DPC Calendar will take operational effect from January 1, 2015. These instructions shall, accordingly, be applicable to all such subsequent vacancy years.

5. The success of the Model Calendar depends upon the Ministries/Departments initiating timely action in advance and furnishing the complete proposals to the DPCs with relevant APARs, copy of Service/Recruitment Rules, seniority list, penalty statement and correct vacancy position etc. All Ministries/Departments are, therefore, requested to give these instructions wide circulation and ensure strict compliance so that the desired objectives of convening of DPC meetings/preparation of the approval select panels as per the aforesaid prescribed time frame may be achieved.

6. Model calendar for DPCs conducted by UPSC both for ACC and Non-ACC cases is separately under review. Meanwhile, cadre controlling authorities are advised for timely completion of calculation of vacancy; finalization of Seniority List; collection of information on vigilance clearance status; completion of Penalty statement for last ten years so that the proposal for seeking the date from UPSC for holding DPC may be taken up on completion of APARs including disposal of representations received on entries/grading in ACRs/ APARs. The instructions with regard to JS level officer as designated authority for timely holding of DPCs and requirement of complete proposal as contained in OM No. 22011/1/2011-Estt.(D) dated 25th March,2011 and OM No. 22011/3/2011-Estt.(D) dated 24th March, 2011 are reiterated.

Click here to download original dopt order

Central Government Employees Health Insurance Scheme – Latest Developments as per the report in Indian Express

The  health ministry has moved a proposal for ending the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) in its current form and moving to an insurance-based scheme — the Central Government Employees and Pensioners Health Insurance Scheme (CGEPHIS) — in an apparent attempt to cut costs.

Instead of the government directly paying the medical bills of CGHS beneficiaries, the new scheme will be implemented through insurance companies registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority and selected through bidding.
Currently, under CGHS, government employees pay Rs 6,000 annually as fixed medical allowance (FMA). The new FMA for beneficiaries is yet to be calculated. While the government’s actual financial commitment will depend on bids and the new FMA, the ministry is working on a presumptive figure of Rs 14,000 per family, which works out to approximately Rs 1,000 crore annually.
The scheme will cover medical expenses up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. Beyond that, the insurer will have to get clearance from the nodal agency on a case to case basis. An additional sum insured of Rs 10 crore in each of the four zones will be provided by the insurer as buffer for such cases. The CGHS in its present form does not have any annual cap, but each procedure has a prescribed maximum limit for reimbursement. While a note for the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) was circulated last year, a fresh proposal incorporating inputs from various departments including the DoPT, erstwhile Planning Commission and Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has been sent to the finance pision of the health ministry.
While existing employees can choose between CGHS and CGEPHIS, the new scheme will be made compulsory for new employees.
Sources in the health ministry said the proposal dates back to 2011, when the committee of secretaries gave its in-principle approval. The proposal was revived after the NDA government took charge. Former Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, however, was opposed to the idea. According to sources, Vardhan was of the opinion that the change would actually mean a higher burden on the exchequer. The annual CGHS bill has increased in the past few years, rising from Rs 987.75 crore in 2008-09 to Rs 1755.62 crore in 2013-14. The average expenditure per beneficiary adds up to Rs 4,787 (which means about Rs 23,000 for a family of five) — Rs 11,955 for pensioners and Rs 2,096 for serving employees.
The total number of CGHS beneficiaries is 36,67,765. Besides serving and retired government employees, this includes former vice-presidents, former prime ministers, MPs and former MPs, sitting and retired judges of the Supreme Court, PIB accredited journalists, railway board employees, Delhi Police personnel in Delhi and employees and pensioners of 60 autonomous/ statutory bodies.
Under CGEPHIS, the OPD needs will be met by the FMA. While the CGHS covers only 25 cities, the new scheme will be pan-India. This would automatically increase the financial commitment. All diseases, including pre-existing ones, will be covered, and in case of transplants, the expenses incurred for the donor or processing of cadaver organ will also be covered. Interestingly, the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, which was run by the labour ministry so far, will be under the health ministry from April 1, as it moves from an insurance-based scheme to a trust-based scheme.
Source: The Indian Express

All CG Employees are required to register themselves in the system of AADHAR Enabled Bio-metric Attendance System - Dopt notification

Introduction of AADHAR enabled bio-metric attendance system

G.I., Dep. of Per. & Trg., O.M.F.No.11013/9/2014-Estt.A-III, dated 28.1.2015

Sub: Introduction of AADHAR enabled bio-metric attendance system.

The undersigned is directed to refer to Secretary, DEITY’s DO letter no. SSD/DeitY/BAS/2014-74 dated 23.12.2014 (copy enclosed), observing that in many offices there is a large difference between the number of registered employees and the number of employees marking their attendance in the Biometric attendance system (BAS). The Secretaries of all Ministries / Departments have been requested to issue directions to all employees to mark their attendance in BAS Portal on regular basis.

 2. As per the Guidelines issued vide O.M. No.11013/9/2014-Estt.A-III dated 21.11.2014, it has been decided to use an AADHAR Enabled Bio-metric Attendance System (AEBAS) in all offices of the Central Government, including attached / sub ordinate offices, in India. All employees are, therefore, required to register themselves in the system and mark their attendance. Instructions already exist for dealing with cases of late attendance/ unauthorized absence, which may be followed.

 3. It is requested that necessary directions may be issued to all employees to mark their attendance in BAS portal on regular basis.

Download original DoPT Order

Authority : www.persmin.gov.in

Election Holidays – Grant of Paid Holiday to CG Employees on the day of Poll – Orders Issued by Election Commission

Election Commission has issued orders on General Election to the State Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi 2015, grant of paid holiday to employees on the day of poll under section 135B of Representation of the People Act 1951. The order is reproduced and given below for your ready reference…

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA

No.78/2015/EPS

Dated: 20th January, 2015

To

1. The Chief Secretary to the Government of NCT of Delhi,Delhi.

2. The Chief Electoral Officer,Delhi.

3. The Secretary to the Govt, of India, M/o Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, North Block, New Delhi.

Subject:- General Election to the State Legislative Assembly of NCT of Delhi, 2015 – Grant of paid holiday to employees on the day of poll – Regarding.

Sir,

I am directed to invite your attention to Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which provides for the grant of paid holiday to the employees on the day of poll. The Section 135B is reproduced below:-

“135B. Grant of paid holiday to employees on the day of poll.

(1) Every person employed in any business trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment and entitled to vote at election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of a State shall, on the day of poll, be granted a holiday.

(2) No deduction or abatement of the wages of any such person shall be made on account of a holiday having been granted in accordance with sub-section (I) and if such person is employed on the basis that he would not ordinarily receive wages for such a day, he shall nonetheless be paid for such day the wages he would have drawn had not a holiday been granted to him on that day.

(3) If an employer contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), then such employer shall be punishable with fine, which may extend to five hundred rupees.

(4) This section shall not apply to any elector whose absence may cause danger or substantial loss in respect of the employment in which he is engaged.”

2. The above provisions require that all the electors who are employees of establishments and shops including those who work on shift basis shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll in the Constituency where a general election is to be held. Further, there may be cases where a person is ordinarily resident of the Constituency and registered as an elector, may be serving/employed in an industrial undertaking or an establishment located outside the Constituency having a general election. It is clarified that in such a situation, even those electors including casual workers working outside the constituency concerned would be entitled to the benefit of a paid holiday extended under Section 135B(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,

3. The daily wage/casual workers are also entitled for a holiday and wages on poll day as provided in Section 135B of the R.P. Act, 1951

4. The Commission desires that suitable instructions should be issued to all concerned and a copy thereof be endorsed to the Commission for its information and record.

5. The receipt of this letter may please be acknowledged.

Yours faithfully

sd/-

(Sumit Mukerjee)

Secretary

Download original order – Click here

An Interesting and Inspiring interaction of PM Shri Narendra Modi and US President Shri Barack Obama with Public

PM Shri Narendra Modi and US President Shri Barack Obama share their thoughts on Radio

The thoughts shared with public by these Great Leaders has been very inspiring and it will motivate us to achieve our dreams and Goals and it will do wonders in our Life if we determine to follow this what the Leaders   of Two Great democratic Countries have said through this Mann Ki Baat Programme on Radio.  Don’t miss it

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi):

Barack the first question comes from Raj from Mumbai

His question is, the whole world knows about your love for your daughters. How will you tell your daughters about youre experience of India? Do you plan to do some shopping for them?

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama):

Well first of all they very much wanted to come. They are fascinated by India, Unfortunately each time that I have taken a trip here, they had school and they couldn’t leave school. And in fact, Malia, my older daughter, had exams just recently. They are fascinated by the culture, and the history of India, in part because of my influence I think, they are deeply moved by India’s movement to Independence, and the role that Gandhi played, in not only the non-violent strategies here in India, but how those ended up influencing the non-violent Civil Rights Movement in the United States. So when I go back I am going to tell them that India is as magnificent as they imagined. And I am quite sure that they are going to insist that I bring them back the next time I visit. It may not be during my Presidency, but afterwards they will definitely want to come and visit.

And I will definitely do some shopping for them. Although I can’t go to the stores myself, so I have to have my team do the shopping for me. And I’ll get some advice from Michelle, because she probably has a better sense of what they would like.

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi):

Barack said he will come with his daughters. I extend an invitation to you. Whether you come as President, or thereafter, India looks forward to welcoming you and your daughters.

Sanika Diwan from Pune, Maharashtra has asked me a question. She asks me, whether I have sought assistance from President Obama for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Mission

Sanika you have asked a good question. There is a lot of worry because of the sex ratio in India. For every 1000 boys, the number of girls is less. And the main reason for this is that, there is a defect in our attitudes towards boys and girls.

Whether or not I seek help from President Obama, his life is in itself an inspiration. The way he has brought up his two daughters, the way he is proud of his two daughters.

In our country too, I meet many families who have only daughters. And they bring up their daughters with such pride, give them such respect, that is the biggest inspiration. I believe that inspiration is our strength. And in response to your question, I would like to say, to save the girl child, to educate the girl child, this is our social duty, cultural duty, and humanitarian responsibility. We should honour it.

Barack, there is a question for you. The second question for President Obama comes through e-mail: Dr. Kamlesh Upadhyay, a Doctor based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat – Your wife is doing extensive work on tackling modern health challenges like obesity and diabetes. These are increasingly being faced in India as well. Would you and the First Lady like to return to India to work on these issues after your Presidency, just like Bill and Melinda Gates?

(Hon’ble Barack Obama):

Well, we very much look forward to partnering with organizations, and the government and non-governmental organizations here in India, around broader Public Health issues including the issue of obesity. I am very proud of the work that Michelle has done on this issue. We’re seeing a world-wide epidemic of obesity, in many cases starting at a very young age. And a part of it has to do with increase in processed foods, not naturally prepared. Part of it is a lack of activity for too many children. And once they are on this path, it can lead to a life time of health challenges. This is an issue that we would like to work on internationally, including here in India. And it is a part of a broader set of issues around global health that we need to address. The Prime Minister and I have discussed, for example, how we can do a better job in dealing with issues like pandemic. And making sure that we have good alert systems so that if a disease like Ebola, or a deadly flu virus, or Polio appears, it is detected quickly and then treated quickly so that it doesn’t spread. The public health infrastructure around the world needs to be improved. I think the Prime Minister is doing a great job in focusing on these issues here in India. And India has a lot to teach many other countries who may not be advancing as rapidly in improving this public health sector. But it has an impact on everything, because if children are sick they can’t concentrate in school and they fall behind. It has a huge economic impact on the countries involved and so we think that there is a lot of progress to be made here and I am very excited about the possibilities of considering this work even after I leave office.

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi):

Mr. Arjun asks me a question. An interesting question. He says he has seen an old photo of me as a tourist outside the White House. He asks me what touched me when I went there last September.

It is true that when I first went to America, I was not lucky enough to visit the White House. There is an iron fence far from the White House. We stood outside the fence and took a photograph. White House is visible in the background. Now that I have become Prime Minister, that photo too has become popular. But at that time, I had never thought that sometime in my life, I would get a chance to visit the White House. But when I visited the White House, one thing touched my heart. I can never forget that. Barack gave me a book, a book that he had located after considerable effort. That book had become famous in 1894. Swami Vivekananda, the inspiration of my life, had gone to Chicago to participate in the World Religions Conference. And this book was a compilation of the speeches delivered at the World Religions Conference. That touched my heart. And not just this. He turned the pages of the book, and showed me what was written there. He had gone through the entire book! And he told me with pride, I come from the Chicago where Swami Vivekananda had come. These words touched my heart a lot. And I will treasure this throughout my life. So once, standing far from the White House and taking a photo, and then, to visit the White House, and to receive a book on someone whom I respect. You can imagine, how it would have touched my heart.

Barack there is a question for you. Himani from Ludhiana, Punjab. Question is for you ……:

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama):

Well the question is “Did you both imagine you would reach the positions that you’ve reached today?”

And it is interesting, Mr. Prime Minister, your talking about the first time you visited White House and being outside that iron fence. The same is true for me. When I first went to the White House, I stood outside that same fence, and looked in, and I certainly did not imagine that I would ever be visiting there, much less living there. You know, I think both of us have been blessed with an extraordinary opportunity, coming from relatively humble beginnings. And when I think about what’s best in America and what’s best in India, the notion that a tea seller or somebody who’s born to a single mother like me, could end up leading our countries, is an extraordinary example of the opportunities that exist within our countries. Now I think, a part of what motivates both you and I, is the belief that there are millions of children out there who have the same potential but may not have the same education, may not be getting exposed to opportunities in the same way, and so a part of our job, a part of government’s job is that young people who have talent, and who have drive and are willing to work for, are able to succeed. And that’s why we are emphasizing school, higher education. Making sure that children are healthy and making sure those opportunities are available to children of all backgrounds, girls and boys, people of all religious faiths and of all races in the United States is so important. Because you never know who might be the next Prime Minister of India, or who might be the next President of United States. They might not always look the part right off the bat. And they might just surprise you if you give them the chance.

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi):

Thank you Barack.

Himani from Ludhiana has also asked me this question – did I ever imagine I would reach this high office?

No. I never imagined it. Because, as Barack said, I come from a very ordinary family. But for a long time, I have been telling everyone, never dream of becoming something. If you wish to dream, dream of doing something. When we do something, we get satisfaction, and also get inspiration to do something new. If we only dream of becoming something, and cannot fulfil the dream, then we only get disappointed. And therefore, I never dreamt of becoming something. Even today, I have no dream of becoming something. But I do dream of doing something. Serving Mother India, serving 125 crore Indians, there can be no greater dream than this. That is what I have to do. I am thankful to Himani.

There is a question for Barack from Omprakash. Omprakash is studying Sanskrit at JNU. He belongs to Jhunjunu, Rajasthan. Om Prakash is convener of special centre for Sanskrit Studies in JNU.

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama):

Well this is a very interesting question. His question is, the youth of the new generation is a global citizen. He is not limited by time or boundaries. In such a situation what should be the approach by our leadership, governments as well as societies at large.

I think this is a very important question. When I look at this generation that is coming up, they are exposed to the world in ways that you and I could hardly imagine. They have the world at their fingertips, literally. They can, using their mobile phone, get information and images from all around the world and that’s extraordinarily powerful. And what that means, I think is that, governments and leaders cannot simply try to govern, or rule, by a top-down strategy. But rather have to reach out to people in an inclusive way, and an open way, and a transparent way. And engage in a dialogue with citizens, about the direction of their country. And one of the great things about India and the United States is that we are both open societies. And we have confidence and faith that when citizens have information, and there is a vigorous debate, that over time even though sometimes democracy is frustrating, the best decisions and the most stable societies emerge and the most prosperous societies emerge. And new ideas are constantly being exchanged. And technology today I think facilitates that, not just within countries, but across countries. And so, I have much greater faith in India and the United States, countries that are open information societies, in being able to succeed and thrive in this New Information Age; than closed societies that try to control the information that citizens receive. Because ultimately that’s no longer possible. Information will flow inevitably, one way or the other, and we want to make sure we are fostering a healthy debate and a good conversation between all peoples.

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi):

Omprakash wants me too, to answer the question that has been asked to Barack.

Barack has given a very good answer. It is inspiring. I will only say, that once upon a time, there were people inspired primarily by the Communist ideology. They gave a call: Workers of the world, Unite. This slogan lasted for several decades. I believe, looking at the strength and reach of today’s youth, I would say, Youth, Unite the world. I believe they have the strength and they can do it.

The next question is from CA Pikashoo Mutha from Mumbai, and he asks me, which American leader has inspired you

When I was young, I used to see Kennedy’s pictures in Indian newspapers. His personality was very impressive. But your question is, who has inspired me. I liked reading as a child. And I got an opportunity to read the biography of Benjamin Franklin. He lived in the eighteenth century. And he was not an American President. But his biography is so inspiring – how a person can intelligently try to change his life.

If we feel excessively sleepy, how can we reduce that?

If we feel like eating too much, how can we work towards eating less?

If people get upset with you that cannot meet them, because of the pressure of work, then how to solve this problem?

He has addressed such issues in his biography. And I tell everyone, we should read Benjamin Franklin’s biography. Even today, it inspires me. And Benjamin Franklin had a multi-dimensional personality. He was a politician, he was a political scientist, he was a social worker, he was a diplomat. And he came from an ordinary family. He could not even complete his education. But till today, his thoughts have an impact on American life. I find his life truly inspiring. And I tell you too, if you read his biography, you will find ways to transform your life too. And he has talked about simple things. So I feel you will be inspired as much as I have been.

There is a question for Barack, from Monika Bhatia.

(Hon’ble Shri Barack Obama):

Well the question is “As leaders of two major economies, what inspires you and makes you smile at the end of a bad day at work?”

And that is a very good question. I say sometimes, that the only problems that come to my desk are the ones that nobody else solves. If they were easy questions, then somebody else would have solved them before they reached me. So there are days when it’s tough and frustrating. And that’s true in Foreign Affairs. That is true in Domestic Affairs. But I tell you what inspires me, and I don’t know Mr. Prime Minister if you share this view – almost every day I meet somebody who tells me, “You made a difference in my life.”

So they’ll say, “The Health-Care law that you passed, saved my child who didn’t have health insurance.” And they were able to get an examination from a Physician, and they caught an early tumour, and now he is doing fine.

Or they will say “You helped me save my home during the economic crisis.”

Or they’ll say, “I couldn’t afford college, and the program you set up has allowed me to go to the university.”

And sometimes they are thanking you for things that you did four or five years ago. Sometimes they are thanking you for things you don’t even remember, or you’re not thinking about that day. But it is a reminder of what you said earlier, which is, if you focus on getting things done as opposed to just occupying an office or maintaining power, then the satisfaction that you get is unmatched. And the good thing about service is that anybody can do it. If you are helping somebody else, the satisfaction that you can get from that, I think, exceeds anything else that you can do. And that’s usually what makes me inspired to do more, and helps get through the challenges and difficulties that we all have. Because obviously we are not the only people with bad days at work. I think everybody knows what it is like to have a bad day at work. You just have to keep on working through it. Eventually you make a difference.

(Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi):

Indeed Barack has spoken words from the heart (Mann Ki Baat). Whatever position we may hold, we are human too. Simple things can inspire us. I also wish to narrate an experience. For many years, I was like an ascetic. I got food at other people’s homes. Whoever invited me, used to feed me as well. Once a family invited me over for a meal, repeatedly. I would not go, because I felt they are too poor, and if I go to eat at their place, I will become a burden on them. But eventually, I had to bow to their request and love. And I went to eat a meal at their home. It was a small hut, where we sat down to eat. They offered me roti made of bajra (millet), and mik. Their young child was looking at the milk. I felt, the child has never even seen milk. So I gave that small bowl of milk to the child. And he drank it within seconds. His family members were angry with him. And I felt that perhaps that child has never had any milk, apart from his mother’s milk. And maybe, they had bought milk so that I could have a good meal. This incident inspired me a lot. A poor person living in a hut could think so much about my well-being. So I should devote my life to their service. So these are the things that serve as inspiration. And Barack has also spoken about what can touch the heart.

I am thankful to Barack, he has given so much time. And I am thankful to my countrymen for listening to Mann Ki Baat. I know radio reaches every home and every lane of India. And this Mann Ki Baat, this special Mann Ki Baat will echo forever.

I have an idea. I share it with you. There should be an e-book made of the talk between Barack and me today. I hope the organizers of Mann Ki Baat will release this e-book. And to you all, who have listened to Mann Ki Baat, I also say, do participate in this. And the best hundred thoughts that emerge out of this, will also be added to this e-book. And I want you to write to us on Twitter, on Facebook, or online, using the hashtag #YesWeCan.

• Eliminate Poverty – #YesWeCan
• Quality Healthcare to All – #YesWeCan
• Youth empowered with Education – #YesWeCan
• Jobs for All – #YesWeCan
• End to Terrorism – #YesWeCan
• Global Peace and Progress – #YesWeCan

I want you to send your thoughts, experiences and feelings after listening to Mann Ki Baat. From them, we will select the best hundred, and we will add them to the book containing the talk that Barack and I have had. And I believe, this will truly become, the Mann Ki Baat of us all.

Once again, a big thank you to Barack. And to all of you. Barack’s visit to India on this pious occasion of 26th January, is a matter of pride for me and for the country.

Thank you very much.