Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Pay Commission Reports :: LS - Q & A (27-07-2018)

Delhi customs @IGIA seized 3 kg gold valued@ 89.25 lakhs from a passenger coming from Bangkok on 30.07.18. The passenger has been placed under arrest #cbic_india #finmin

Monday, 30 July 2018

A veteran union leader associated with the NJCA, on the condition of anonymity, told there is no such indication given to us from the government. "We appeal the handful of websites running speculation stories on 7th Pay Commission to refrain from spreading rumours. Such reports are adding pain to the agony of employees," said the leader, who is also associated with the All India Railwaymen Federation.. Sen Times run by a Gazetted Officer of CGST is repeatedly spreading such rumour.

7th Pay Commission: Unverified Reports Claim Hike in Minimum Salary on Cards, Employee Union Says No Such Hint by Govt

New Delhi, July 30: Unverified reports on the digital platform claim the government may offer a massive bonanza to the lower strata of central government employees by this Independence Day: an increase in minimum salary using the 3.68 fitment factor. If their claims are accurate, the minimum wage will rise from Rs 18,000 to Rs 21,000.

The National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) - a consortium of employee unions which is negotiation with the government - claims they have received no such hint from the government.

A veteran union leader associated with the NJCA, on the condition of anonymity, told Latestly there is no such indication given to us from the government. "We appeal the handful of websites running speculation stories on 7th Pay Commission to refrain from spreading rumours. Such reports are adding pain to the agony of employees," said the leader, who is also associated with the All India Railwaymen Federation.

What gives credence to the union leader's denial of the fresh speculations is the statement issued by Union MoS, Finance, Pon Radhakrishnan in the last session of the Parliament.

On being asked by a Samajwadi Party lawmaker whether the government is looking forward to raise the salaries of central government employees beyond what the 7th Pay Commission recommends, Radhakrishnan had replied, "The minimum pay of Rs 18,000 per month and the fitment factor of 2.57 are based upon the specific recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission in light of the relevant factors taken into account by it. Therefore, no change therein is at present under consideration."

Contributory Pension Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-710
ANSWERED ON-24.07.2018

Abolition of Contributory Pension Scheme

710 . Shri Dharmapuri Srinivas

(a) whether the attention of Government is drawn to the matter of Contributory Pension Scheme and problems being faced by the employees;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether a number of requests from State Governments and Government employees have been received by Government to withdraw the CPS System, the status of such requests; and

(d) whether Government is planning to resolve the matter and abolish the CPS System in view of the problems being faced by the employees?

ANSWER
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance

(a) to (d) Yes Sir. Representations have been received from various Associations of Government Employees on the problems being faced and the demand to withdraw the National Pension System (NPS). The 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) also in its report examined the issues related to NPS and made recommendations for addressing these issues. Pursuant thereto, it was decided to constitute a Committee of Secretaries to suggest measures for streamlining NPS. The Committee has submitted its report. Due to rising and unsustainable pension bill and keeping in view of fiscal imperatives, it is not possible for the government to revert back to old pension scheme.

Texas Policy Makes Going Solar Easy For Homeowners

Congress Extends Solar Incentives Through 2018

July 30th 2018

Power companies are fighting an uphill battle they are sure to lose and they’re blaming customers who are taking advantage of massive government savings programs. Specifically, they are blaming Texas State Rebates that incentivize homeowners to use clean energy by reducing solar power projects to $0 installations.

Until now, solar panels were less about saving money and more about environmental protection. In order to get more people to switch to clean solar energy the federal and state governments are highly incentivizing homeowners who live in specific zip codes to go solar with $1000’s of dollars in rebates and incentives that can cover 100% of the costs associated with a new solar panel installation.

When homeowners visit Energybillcruncher to see if they qualify, many are shocked to learn that solar panels can be installed on their home with no upfront costs after rebates and solar incentives. You can find out which solar incentives are offered in your area by using your zip code. You can even use this tool to help calculate your savings by entering your utility provider and your average power bill. In many cases, customers are saving up to 50% on the cost of powering their home each year.

Check My Zip Code »

How Do Solar Programs Work?

Solar panels are much cheaper today than they were 10 years ago, which means millions of homeowners that could not previously afford to do so are switching to solar. Texas Homeowners that qualify for this new program no longer have to buy solar panels. With rebates being as high as they are, homeowners are able to drastically reduce their power bill without dealing with the upfront costs of installing solar panels. Before, solar companies would lose money if they were to rent or lease solar panels; now, one of the nation’s largest solar power providers now claims to be signing up a new solar panel customer every 5 minutes because of these incentivized programs.

Quick Summary: In the past it used to take up to 10 years to recoup your solar investment – now, with 2018 Solar programs, homeowners can use Solar Incentives to offset the cost of their solar installation and start saving money immediately. Click here to see if you qualify >>

How Do I Find Out If My Home Is Eligible?

Click on your state below to check for solar incentives in your region. Once your home is approved, you will have an opportunity to compare the best savings offers in your area.

Act Now & Start Saving Money Immediately

Visit Energybillcruncher and type in your location info to see if your home is eligible for solar. The best part about determining your potential savings is that there is absolutely no obligation to do anything until you realize the savings that are on their way to you. We are experiencing some of the highest rebate, tax credits, and other incentives we have seen in years and many of them will expire this year. In some installations customers are saving up to $14,000 on the setup of a whole-home solar panel system. What would you do with an extra $14,000 in your pocket AND lower power bills?

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References:

GST impact: List of unhappy firms is growing

While the November 2017 round of rate revisions saw mainly eating joints unwilling to pass on GST benefits, this time round, sanitary napkin makers, TV manufacturers and even paint companies have said passing on GST benefits is not a feasible exercise.

The latest round of rate revisions introduced by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on July 21 has led to a peculiar situation.

The number of companies unwilling to pass on GST benefits is higher than in previous rounds.

Firms in each of these categories have their reasons for the resistance.

The Feminine and Infant Hygiene Association (FIHA), which represents the country's top sanitary napkin makers including Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark and Unicharm, said the decision of putting the item on the exempt list was unlikely to achieve the desired objective.

“The exemption of sanitary napkins from GST effectively denies input tax credit to companies manufacturing in India. As a result, in order to offset the loss, companies will not be able to pass any significant benefit to consumers,” FIHA said.

While the government has asked for a break-up of the costs involved in making sanitary napkins, players argue that putting the item in the exempt list will benefit importers.

“We pay 18 per cent GST on inputs used for making sanitary napkins. A 12 per cent GST on finished products allowed us to avail a set off (against input tax), which will not be there now.

"This will make it unviable for us to make sanitary napkins locally, boosting imports instead,” said Kamal Johari, managing director, Nobel Hygiene, said.

TV manufacturers, meanwhile, have said passing on GST benefits in small TVs upto a screen size of 68 cms was a meaningless exercise.

“The 26-inch TV segment is not more than 8-10 per cent of the overall TV market. Whereas the 32 to 43-inch TV segment constitutes almost two-thirds of the overall TV market and is critical for most players,” said Rohit Kumar Singh, spokesperson, Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA).

“Most middle-income homes in India have TVs in the 32 to 43-inch bracket and significant number of launches and innovations happen in this segment,” he said, adding extending the 10 per GST rate cut to TVs with a screen size of upto 142 cms (or 43 inches) was a better thing to do.

CEAMA last week made a representation to the government asking for the same. It also highlighted the need to increase import duty on TV components since the GST rate cut would fuel further imports into the country.

Asian Paints, in contrast, has said it would have to assess when to pass on the GST cut of 10 per cent.

“While we will have to pass them on, we’d have to assess when to do it,” he said following the company’s first-quarter results last week.

“Every time there is a price change, there is a lot of instability in the market and ideally we do not like to disturb the market before the festive season,” he said.

HM Bharuka, managing director, Kansai Nerolac, meanwhile said the company would pass on the GST benefits to consumers despite input cost inflation.

Eating joints, on the other hand, have found themselves under government scanner in the last nine months for their inability to pass on the 13 per cent GST rate cut announced in November.

DRI detects customs duty evasion in import of e-rickshaws worth Rs 150 cr, 2 held

Saturday, 28 July 2018

No.Confdn/Genl/2016-19 Dated 28-07-2018.

1. All National Secretariat Members,

2. All Affiliated organisastions

3. All State C-O-Cs.

IMPORTANT/URGENT

1. 05th September 2018 - Mass Rally at New Delhi - Intensify Mobilisation and ensure Maximum Participation of Employees as per Quata fixed:

Campaign for making the 15th November 2018 strike a thundering success has started in all states. Affiliated organisations are also conducting department wise campaign and mobilisation. State/District level conventions are to be completed before 15-08-2018. Copy of the memorandum to be submitted to people’s representatives will be published in the Confederation website during the 1st week of August 2018. During the month of August, copy of the memorandum should be submitted to all MPs/MLAs, Chief Ministers etc. by personally meeting them, with a delegation of Confederation leaders. They may be requested to write a letter to Prime Minister and also raise questions in the Parliament. 3rd phase of our campaign programme is Mass Dharna at all District Headquarters/Divisions on 21st August 2018 Tuesday. All are requested to start advance preparation for making the 21st August dharna a grand success. All affiliated organisations/C-O-Cs are requested to issue instructions to their lower units/affiliates to organise the dharna programme with maximum participation of employees. Fourth phase of struggle programme is Mass Rally at New Delhi on 5th September 2018. Please instruct those delegates participating in the rally to book their travel tickets without any further delay. All are requested to bring maximum banners, placards and flags to the rally. More banners and placards with demands like “SCRAP NPS. RESTORE OLD PENSION SCHEME TO ALL” may be brought. Quota already fixed and communication already sent to all concerned is attached as Annexure to this circular again.

2. All India Women’s Study Camp and Convention at Haridwar on 29th & 30th October 2018.

All India Women’s Study Camp will be held at Haridwar on 29th and 30th October, 2018. C-O-C Uttar Pradesh State has agreed to host the camp. Delegate fee is fixed as Rs.800/- (Rs. Eight hundred only) per delegate. Accomodaion will be provided from 28th October Afternoon to 31st October 06.00 AM. Food will be provided only on 29th and 30th. As Haridwar and Hrishikesh are world famous tourist/pilgrim centres, there will be heavy rush of tourists during the period. All affiliates/C-O-Cs are requested to instruct the lady delegates to book their travel tickets immediately. Three months time is there, but ticket booking should be given topmost priority. Quota fixed for each affiliated organisation and C-O-C is furnished below:

Sl. Name of affiliate/C-O-C No.of delegates

1. National Federation of Postal Employees

and all its affiliates (NFPE) 80

2. Income Tax Employees Federation (ITEF) 25

3. All India Audit & Accounts Association 15

4. All India Civil Accounts Employees Association 15

5. National Federation of Atomic Energy Employees

(NFAEE) 10

6. All india Central Ground Water Board Employees

Association (AICGWBEA) 5

7. Geological Survey of India Employees Association

(GSIEA) 5

8. All other affiliated organisations 3 each

(minimum)

9. C-O-C Delhi State 15

10. C-O-C UP State 15

11. C-O-C West Bengal 20

12. C-O-C Kerala 20

13. C-O-C Tamilnadu 15

14. C-O-C AP & Telangana 15

15. C-O-C Karnataka 10

16. C-O-C Maharashtra 10

17. C-O-C Odisha 5

18. C-O-C Assam & NE 5

19. All other C-O-Cs 3 each

(minimum)

Affiliates/C-O-Cs are requested to allote quota to their units/organisations immediately so that ticket booking can be done without delay.

For all enquiries and necessary help in connection with the camp the following comrades may be contacted.

1. Com.Virendra Tiwari, Chairman, C-O-C, UPState: 09839195933

2. Com.J.P.Singh, General Secretary, C-O-C, UP State: 08005445445

As it is not possible to hold a separate Women’s Convention again this year, on 30th October 2018 (Second day), All India Women’s Convention will also be held along with the Camp and new office bearers and Women’s Sub Committee members will be elected.

3. 2018 September 19th - 50th Year of 1968 September 19th Strike - Organise Martyrs Day in a befitting manner:

2018 September 19th is the 50th Anniversary day of historic 1968 September 19th strike of the Central Govt. Employees. The main demand raised was “Need Based Minimum Wage” approved by the 1957 Fifteenth Indian Labour Conference which was formulated based on Dr. Wallace Aykroid’s Formula. The Central Government banned the strike declaring it illegal. Essential Service Maintenance Ordinance was promulgated. Militry, Para-military and Police forces were deployed to crush the strike. Firing took place at many places. 17 (Seventeen) comrades were brutally killed. About 40000 suspended and terminated from service. Many leaders and cadres arrested and jailed. Thousands chargesheeted and transferred. Inspite of all these repressive measures, the strike was cent percent success all over the country. The struggle to vacate victimisations continued for years. We are commemorating the 50th year of the historic strike, when the Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers are in the midst of mobilisation and campaign to make the 2018 Noember 15th strike a grand success. Let us draw inspiration from the sacrifice of those who were victimised in the 1968 strike, especially from the great martyrdom of those comrades who laid down their lives for the working class of our country and for the posterity.

Confederation National Secretariat calls upon all the affiliated organisastions and C-O-Cs to organise the 2018 September 19th Matrys day at all centres, by organising seminars, General Body meetings,Flag hoisting, homage to matrys, honouring of 1968 strike victimised employees and leaders and other programmes, if possible jointly with other fraternal organisastion. The history and significance of 1968 September 19th strike should reach each and every member of our affiliated organisations. The importance of the fight against the anti-labour neo-liberal policies pursued by the Central Government and the need to make 2018 November 15th strike a grand success may also be explained and emphasised.

Fraternally Yours,

M. Krishnan,

Secretary General,

Mob: & WhatsApp: 09447068125

Email: mkrishnan6854@gmail.com

2018 NOVEMBER 15TH NATION WIDE ONE DAY STRIKE OF

CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES

CONFEDERATION - PROGRAMME OF ACTION

(approved by the National Convention held at Hyderabad on 10-06-2018)

I. 2018 July 1st to August 14th

State/District level conventions.

2. 2018 August 15th to 31st

Submission of memorandum to all MPs, MLAs, Chief Ministers etc. seeking their intervention for settlement of demands. (Draft copy of the memorandum will be exhibited in confederation website: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com after 31st July 2018)

3. 21st August 2018 - Tuesday

Mass dharna at all District headquarters.

4. 5th September 2018 - Wednesday

Mass rally at New Delhi. (Quota of employees to be mobilised and participated in the Mass Rally by each affiliate and C-O-C will be published seperately within two days).

5. 10th October 2018 - Wednesday

Serving of strike notice at all levels with mass demonstrations.

6. 17th October 2018 - Wednesday

Raj Bhavan March at all State Headquarters or March to an important Central Govt. office situated in the state capital.

7. 3rd October to 10th November 2018

State/District wise Compaign programme of National leaders of confederation and its affiliates. (seperate circular will be issued mentioning places and name of leaders)

8. 2nd November 2018 - Friday

Mass Hunger Fast at all levels.

9. 15th November 2018 - Thursday

Nationwide one day strike.

In addition to the above compaign programmes each affiliate of confederation should chalk out their own department wise compaign programmes covering all states.

2018 NOVEMBER 15TH NATION WIDE ONE DAY STRIKE OF

CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES

10 POINTS CHARTER OF DEMANDS OF CONFEDERATION

(adopted by the National Convention held at Hyderabad on 10-06-2018)

1. Scrap New Contributory Pension Scheme. Restore old defined benefit Pension Scheme to all employees.

2. Settle 7th CPC related issues including increase in Minimum Pay and fitment formula, HRA arrears from 01-01-2016, MACP Bench Mark, promotional heirarchy and date of effect from 01-01-2006, Option-I for pensioners and anomalies arising out of implementation of 7th CPC recommendations.

3. Fill up all vacant posts. Reintroduce Regional Recruitment for Group B & C posts. Withdraw orders for abolishing posts lying vacant for more than five years. Revive all posts abolished during 2001 to 2008 under Annual Direct Recruitment plan as per May 2001 orders of former NDA Government.

4. (a) Regularisatin of Gramin Dak Sevaks and grant of Civil Servant status. Implement remaining positive recommendations of Kamalesh Chandra committee report.

(b) Regularise all casual and contract workers including those appointed on or after 01-09-1993.

5. Ensure equal pay for equal work for all. Remove disparity in pay scales between Central Secretariat Staff and similarly placed staff working in field units of various departments.

6. Stop closure of Govt. establishments and outsourcing. Withdraw closure orders of Govt. of India Presses. Stop proposed move to close down salt department. Stop FDI and privatisation of Railways and Defence department.

7. Implement 7th CPC wage revision and pension revision of Autonomous body employees and pensioners. Grant Bonus to Autonomous body employees pending from 2016-17 onwards.

8. Remove 5% condition imposed on compassionate appointment.

9. Grant five time bound promotions to all Group B&C employees. Complete Cadre Reviews in all departments within a time-frame.

10. (a) Stop attack on trade union rights. Ensure prompt functioning of various negotiating forums under the JCM scheme at all levels.

(b) Withdraw the draconian FR-56(j) and Rule 48 of CCS Pension Rules 1972.

If necessary, affiliates can add their own departmental wise issues as PART-II of the charter of demands.

CONFEDERTION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES & WORKERS CENTRAL HEADQUARTERS

IST FLOOR, NORTH AVENUE POSTOFFICE BUILDING, NEW DELHI-110001

No.Confdn/2016-19 Dated 28-06-2018.

* SCRAP NPS. RESTORE DEFINED BENEFIT OLD PENSION SCHEME (OPS) FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

* SETTLE 10 POINTS CHARTER OF DEMANDS OF CONFEDERATION.

NATIONWIDE ONE DAY STRIKE ON 15-11-2018

MASS RALLY AT NEW DELHI

ON 05TH SEPTEMBER 2018

CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES, STATE GOVT. EMPLOYEES, PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEES AND OTHER CLASS AND MASS ORGANISATIONS WILL PARTICIPATE.

Dear Comrades,

Please refer to the Confederation Circular dated 25-06-2018 wherein the Resolution & declaration, Programme of action and charter of demands adopted in the 10th June 2018 National Convention of Central Govt. Employees are published. A very big mass rally will be organised at New Delhi on 05-09-2018 along with State Government employees, Public sector employees and other class and mass organisations. Quota fixed for each affiliate and C-O-Cs are furnished below. Regarding accommodation etc. for the participants in the rally, each organisation/C-O-C shall make their own arrangements. Up and down travel tickets of the participants should be booked well in advance. As State Govt. Employees etc. are also participating in the rally, it will be difficult to get confirmed tickets in the last minute. All affiliates and C-O-Cs are requested to finalise the delegates of each unit and first priority may be given for booking tickets.For any help at New Delhi, C-O-C, Delhi State Committee may be contacted.

1. Com. Vrigu Bhattacharjee 09868520926

General Secretary, C-O-C. 09013163804

2. Com. Giriraj Singh 09811213808

President, C-O-C.

Sl. Name of affiliated organisation/C-O-C No.of employees - quota fixed

for mobilising and

participating in the rally.

1. National Federation of Postal Employees

(NFPE) 5,000

2. Income Tax Employees Federation (ITEF) 1,000

3. All India Audit & Accounts Association 500

4. All India Civil Accounts Employees Association 500

5. National Federation of Atomic Energy

Employees (NFAEE) 300

6. All India Central Ground Water Board

Employees Association (AICGWBEA) 300

7. Geological Survey of India Employees

Association (GSIEA) 200

8. All other affiliated organisations 100 each

9. C-O-C Delhi 500

10. C-O-Cs UP 800

11. C-O-C West Bengal 300

12. C-O-C Kerala 150

13. C-O-C Tamilnadu 200

14. C-O-C AP & Telangana 300

15. C-O-C Karnataka 200

16. C-O-Cs Maharashtra 300

17. C-O-C Odisha 150

18. C-O-C Assam & NE 200

19. All other state C-O-Cs 100 each

All affiliates are requested to allote quota to their lower units immediately. Please instruct all units to book tickets immediately.