No unmanned railway crossing by 2015-16

Following the train-bus collision that killed eight people in Bihar, Minister of State for Railways K.H. Muniyappa announced Thursday that there would be no unmanned railway crossing in the country by 2015-16."Railways has set a goal to convert all unmanned railway crossings into manned by 2015-16," Muniyappa told mediapersons here."There are about 14,000 unmanned railway crossings across the country. We have decided to work for safety of railway and its passengers," Muniyappa said.

NO SERVICE TAX ON RAILWAY TICKETS ISSUED BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 2012

The railways ministry has made partial modification in levy of service tax on passenger fares in the AC classes/first class from October 1, 2012. The ministry clarified on Friday that service tax of 3.7% on passenger fares will not be levied on tickets issued and booked before October 1, 2012. Therefore, for people who bought tickets in advance, the service tax would not be collected on board, an official release said.

Cabinet clears Rs. 2300 crore One rank One Pension

After the DA/DR hike announcement, its another bonanza for the ex-servicemen. The union government has set aside Rs 2,300 crore for the implementation of the one-rank-one-pension - a demand that has been pending for years. This has been a major irritant between the armed forces and the bureaucracy.

In recognition of this demand, the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address this year, had mentioned about the OROP, apart from several other measures. A high level committee was formed to look into the demands of the ex-servicemen. According to the scheme, every ex-serviceman will be eligible for the same pension at his rank, regardless of when he joined or retired.

The Union Cabinet secretary Ajit K Seth was put in charge of a committee that has submitted its report, though after more than a month's delay.

OROP implies that servicemen of the same rank and same period of service should get the same pension, irrespective of when they retired. It also means that as and when pension is enhanced, the benefit will also be passed on to those who have retired earlier.

Dearness Allowance hiked by 7% to 72%

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh led Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) met today evening and cleared the dearness allowance hike. The meeting which supposed to take place last Friday was postponed due to political reasons. The hike will be 7 per cent and the new DA will be 72 per cent of the basic pay for all central government employees. The hike will be effective from July 1, 2012, and employees will get arrears from that date.

The hike is expected to cost government an additional Rs. 7,400 crore a year on the exchequer. The decision, which would benefit about 50 lakh of employees and 30 lakh pensioners of the central government

The government had last increased DA in March this year from 58 per cent to 65 per cent, which was effective from January 1, 2012.

The government periodically hikes the DA, which is calculated based on the consumer price index for industrial workers (CPI-IW). The consumer price index (CPI) based on movement in retail prices, soared to 10.03% in August, from 9.86% in July, which means a higher DA hike next time.

Cabinet likely to approve DA hike (7%) on Friday (21st Sept, 2012)

The Union Cabinet is likely to approve the hike in the dearness allowance of the employees and pensioners, on Friday. Once approved, the dearness allowance for the employees and the dearness relief for pensioners will become effective from July 1, 2012. It may take few more days for the issue of the order by the Finance Ministry.

The hike, which is calculated based on CPI-IW is supposed to be to 72 per cent from the current 65 per cent. The CPI is currently around 10%, that may push for an even higher DA hike during January 2013. This hike will benefit 50 lakh employees and 30 lakh pensioners. However the hike may be negligible when compared to the price hike that we can expect from the recent fuel price hike.

According to confirmed sources, the proposal to increase dearness allowance (DA) by 7 per cent of the basic pay is scheduled to come up for consideration of the Union Cabinet on Friday.

The Last DA hike effective from Jan 2012 was also 7%.

---

The meeting of the Union Cabinet, which was scheduled to consider the DA hike for the central government employees and pensioners, has been put postponed to next week.

"The Cabinet, CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) and CCI (Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure) meetings scheduled for Friday, have been postponed," an official announcement said.

Cabinet meetings are supposed to take place on Thursdays, but they have been postponed owing to political turmoil.

However the the figures (7%) as well as cabinet approval for the DA hike is just a formality and may not include a decision as it is based on the CPI-IW which has already been published. Even after the cabinet approval, it will take few days for the Finance Ministry to issue order.

BEML begins delivery for stainless steel EMU

Railway Gazette reported that Bharat Earth Movers Limited has begun delivering a development batch of 10 nine car electric multiple units built to a revised design which features stainless steel car bodies.

Indian Railways is planning to use the new design to gradually replace existing steel EMUs in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai which suffer from corrosion. The EMU is intended to offer a modern appearance, with 3+3 seating equivalent to sophisticated metro cars.

Following approval by the Research Designs & Standards Organisation and RITES, the first unit has begun trials on Eastern Railway's Sealdah division.

RAILWAYS BURDEN TO RISE BY 1200 CRORES EVERY YEAR

The diesel price hike has come as a shocker for the Railways,which is reeling under a financial crunch.However,there is no immediate plan to increase freight tariff.

The Rs 5 hike in the price of diesel is expected to put an additional burden of around Rs 1,200 crore every year on the cash-strapped Railways,headed by Trinamool Congress nominee Mukul Roy.There is no move as yet to increase freight charges though the increase in diesel price will hit us badly.As of now,we have no plan to shift the burden on freight operators, a senior railway official said.

The railways had effected a 20-25 % hike in freight rates before the rail budget this year. The transporter consumes about 280 crore litres of diesel every year to run its fleet of around 4,500 diesel locomotives,hauling both freight and passenger trains. The Railways paid about Rs 13,209 crore in the current fiscal and Rs 11,741 crore during the last fiscal towards its fuel bill.The increase in fuel consumption every year is due to addition of new services and more freight haulage.

Since nearly six months have already passed in 2012-13,the additional cost of the fuel bill will be around Rs 100 crore per month this fiscal, an official said.

The three oil PSUs IndianOil, HPCL and BPCL supply fuel providing a subsidy of 30 paisa per litre as the Railways is a bulk consumer.

Engineers Day, M. Visvesvarayya Birth Day

Engineers Day, M. Visvesvarayya Birth Day from sanjay_asati

Railway Revenue Earnings Up by 19.79 Per Cent during April- August 2012

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during 1st April – 31st August 2012 were Rs. 49211.40 crore compared to Rs. 41082.67 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 19.79 per cent.

The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 27445.00 crore during 1st April – 31st August 2011 to Rs. 34070.85 crore during 1st April – 31st August 2012, an increase of 24.14 per cent.

The total passenger revenue earnings during first five months of the financial year 2012-13 were Rs. 13005.44 crore compared to Rs. 11692.59 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 11.23 per cent.

The revenue earnings from other coaching amounted to Rs. 1261.13 crore during April-August 2012 compared to Rs. 1152.93 crore during the same period last year, an increase of 9.38 per cent.

The total approximate number of passengers booked during April-August 2012 were 3567.51 million compared to 3418.86 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 4.35 per cent. In the suburban and non-suburban sectors, the number of passengers booked during April-August 2012 were 1840.09 million and 1727.42 million compared to 1773.50 million and 1645.36 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 3.75 per cent and 4.99 per cent respectively.

AKS/HK/LK/TR (Release ID :87730)

Indian Railways Carry 405.54 Million Tonnes of Freight during April-August 2012

Indian Railways have carried 405.54 million tonnes of revenue earning freight traffic during April-August 2012. The freight carried shows an increase of 16.45 million tonnes over the freight traffic of 389.09 million tonnes actually carried during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of 4.23 per cent.

During the month of August 2012, the revenue earning freight traffic carried by Indian Railways was 78.43 million tonnes. There is an increase of 2.64 million tonnes over the actual freight traffic of 75.79 million tonnes carried by the Indian Railways during the same period last year, showing an increase of 3.48 per cent.

AKS/HK/LK/TR (Release ID :87753)

राष्‍ट्रीय स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य बीमा योजना

रेल राज्‍य मंत्री श्री भरत सिंह सोलंकी ने रेलवे की अपने लाइसेंसधारी कुलियों, रेहडी वालों तथा फेरी लगाने वालों के लिए राष्‍ट्रीय स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य बीमा योजना (आरएसबीवाई) शुरू करने के बारे में एक प्रश्‍न के लिखित उत्‍तर में आज राज्‍य सभा में बताया कि रेलवे ने यह योजना शुरू की है। श्रम एवं रोजगार मंत्रालय के परामर्श से राष्‍ट्रीय स्‍वास्‍थ्‍य बीमा योजना में रेलों के लाइसेंसधारी पोर्टरों, लाइसेंसधारी वेंडरों और लाइसेंसधारी फेरीवालों को भी शामिल किया गया है। रेलें, संबंधित राज्‍य सरकारों द्वारा लागू की जा रही योजना में गरीबी रेखा से नीचे के लाभार्थियों को भी शामिल करने में सहायता कर रही हैं। उक्‍त गरीबी रेखा के लाभार्थियों के मामले में प्रीमियम के 75 प्रतिशत भाग या 565 रूपये प्रति परिवार प्रतिवर्ष, में से जो भी कम होगा, उसे रेलवे द्वारा वहन किया जाएगा और शेष 25 प्रतिशत भा्ग का अंशदान लाभार्थियों द्वारा दिया जायेगा, जिन्‍हें पंजीकरण/नवीनीकरण शुल्‍क के रूप में 30 रुपये प्रति परिवार प्रतिवर्ष का भुगतान भी करना होगा।

उन्‍होंने यह भी जानकारी दी कि रेलवे लाभार्थियों की संख्‍या की पहचान कर रही है और राज्‍य सरकार की नोडल एजेंसियों के संपर्क में हैं। लाभार्थियों की सही संख्‍या की जानकारी के बाद वार्षिक प्रीमियम का आकलन किया जाएगा।

मीणा/इंद्रपाल/सुमन-4399

‎'INCREASE IN FARES MUST TO SAVE RAILWAYS'

NAGPUR: Saying that the financial condition of the railways was becoming very precarious, Mr.M Raghavaiah, general secretary of the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR). He added that if situation got any worse, railways could go the way of Air India.

"To save the railways increasing the fares is a must. It should be hiked to 60% of the price of bus tickets," Raghavaiah said. He was addressing the first All India Loco Inspectors Meet held on Saturday in which representatives from all 17 zones of Indian Railways took part. It was hosted by the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS) Nagpur.

Raghavaiah blamed politicians for the fares not being hiked for nine years now. "The public is not opposed to price hike if they get good service," he said, adding that even the 2 lakh vacancies, especially in the safety department, need to be filled up.

Indian Railways to get more than INR 400 crore from RLDA

Rail Land Development Authority, a statutory authority established by Ministry of Railways for generating non-tariff revenue from railway land, today announced that it is soon going to restart offering sites for development of Multi Functional Complexes and railway land for commercial development. RLDA has now targeted for earning more than Rs. 400 crore during current financial year.

RLDA has prepared an action plan for fast tracking the development of projects and realization of expected revenues. RLDA has lined up 60 more new MFC sites and 8 other standalone sites for which bidding process is being initiated in phases within a fortnight. Many real estate consultants like Knight Frank, IL&FS, PWC, E&Y and JLLM are advising RLDA in Planning and Marketing the MFC/Commercial sites. MFC buildings, which are likely to come at railway stations in important tourist and religious destinations across India, will provide facilities for rail users at one centralized complex within the station premises. Facilities such as shopping, food stalls/ restaurants, book stalls, ATMs, medicines and variety stores, budget hotels, parking etc are to be provided. Several leading brands, retail, hotel chains and developers have expressed their interest in MFCs being developed by RLDA and prominent among them are Pantaloon, Cafe Coffee Day, The Loot, Woodland, Apodis Hospitality, Krishnan Palace Residency, WH Smith (Travel News Services). MFCs at 26 railway stations developed jointly with IRCON ISL and RITES have already been completed and are waiting for being leased out, prominent places being Haridwar, Udaipur, Raipur, Madurai, Allahabad, Jabalpur, Burdwan, Manmad, Guntur.

There was tremendous response when last bidding was carried oput by RLDA for 6 MFCs in year 2010-11 when a total of 15 bidders submitted 28 financial bids with RLDA getting offers much higher than their assessments. Multi Functional Complex project offers a unique opportunity for retailers, hotel chain operators, developers and other such stakeholders for expanding and enlarging their footprint across hundreds of important towns and cities in the country. The selected railway stations will provide assured footfalls and wide exposure in the heart of town/ city. Carefully selected railway land generally in the range of 1,000 Sq.m. to 3,000 Sq.m. at the station with passenger interface is identified for development of MFC. Bids are invited in a combination of one time Lease Premium and Annual Lease Rent and bidder offering highest present value of all payments at a discount rate of 15% is selected. A bidder can either bid individually for separate MFCs or can bid for a cluster of MFCs together so that they have chance of winning a group of sites in one go. The developer winning the bid would get railway land on 45 years lease and shall have to develop phase-I of the MFC of a minimum built up area of 200 Sq.m. within a short period of 9 months. Multi Functional Complex is a win-win model for Indian Railways, rail users and developers. Indian Railways get passenger facilities developed at no cost to Government and further gets additional present and future revenues, rail users get better facilities in the shortest period of time and developers get assured market and opportunity for developing such project at large number of railway stations across India. The MFCs so developed will be part of the railway operational buildings and will be transferred back to the railways once the lease period ends.

Several important sites for commercial development of surplus railway land including Katra, Amritsar, Chennai, Vizag, Vijayawada and Bangalore are also soon going to be offered for bidding for leasing up-to 45 years. These sites are attractively located in the respective cities and are suitable for shopping malls, entertainment, offices, hotels and other such real estate developments. Several of these sites are expected to be awarded during this financial year.

RLDA has also been entrusted by Ministry of Railways for development of 5 Railway Stations at Chandigarh, Anand Vihar (Delhi), Bijwasan (Delhi), Habibganj (Bhopal) and Shivajinagar (Pune) into modern railway stations with excellent facilities for rail users. These stations are being developed through Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd., a joint venture company created by IRCON and RLDA in which the former is the majority partner. The company has already started operation and Business and Legal advisers have been appointed. These stations will be developed by leveraging the real estate and retail potential at the railway stations.

Security Arrangements at Stations and in Trains

Prevention and detection of crime and maintenance of law and order over Railways is the statutory responsibility of States. For this purpose a separate wing of State police in the name of Government Railway Police (GRP) has been constituted by the States. 50 per cent cost on GRPs is shared by Railways with respective States. Railways, through the Railway Protection Force (RPF), are supplementing efforts of States in providing security over Railways.

For supplementing efforts of States, security has been identified as one of the priority areas by Railways for strengthening and upgradation. Efforts made to strengthen railway security in recent past include nomination of 202 stations for installation of Integrated Security System, procurement of modern security related equipment, setting up of an All India Security Help Line, networking of RPF Posts and Security Control Rooms, establishment of a commando training center and three new Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) Battalions, upgradation of RPF training centers etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

AKS/HK/LK/TR (Release ID :87616)

On Board Housekeeping Services Important Trains

On Board House Keeping Services (OBHS) has been planned to be implemented in all Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other important long distance Mail/Express trains (including Garib Rath) for frequent cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles and passenger compartments during the run of the trains. The scheme has so far been implemented in around 300 trains. Other important trains as identified by Zonal Railways are also planned for provision of OBHS.

OBHS facility can be provided on those trains satisfying laid down parameters such as journey time/period, coach type etc. Identification of trains for provision of OBHS scheme, as per requirements, is an ongoing process. Cost of provision of OBHS may vary from train to train and depends upon the number and type of coaches, journey time/period etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

AKS/HK/LK/TR (Release ID :87617)

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana has been extended to licensed porters, licensed vendors and licensed hawkers on the Railways in consultation with Ministry of Labour & Employment. Railways are facilitating below poverty line beneficiaries for coverage under the scheme being implemented by the concerned State Governments. In the case of above poverty line beneficiaries, 75 per cent of the premium will be borne by the Railways subject to a maximum of Rs. 565/- per family per annum, whichever is less and the remaining 25 per cent to be contributed by the beneficiaries, who will also have to pay an amount of Rs. 30/- per family per year as registration/renewal fee.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

AKS/HK/LK/TR (Release ID :87618)

Safety Audits Conducted by Railways

Two types of safety audits are being conducted by Railways regularly, i.e. one by individual railway of its own divisions once in two months period and another inter railway safety audit which is conducted twice a year i.e. from January to June and July to December. Safety Audit is conducted by a team of five Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) level officers of Civil, Mechanical, Signal, Electrical and Safety departments. The teams carry out audit/inspection and focus on pinpointing deficiencies found in the system including ancillary activities. Staff training, material supply, availability of funds, system failures, defective policies/rules etc. Zonal Railways submit their Reports/Action taken reports to the Ministry of Railways. These reports are analyzed by the Railway Board which gives them further necessary instructions as and when necessary.

Indian Railways have adopted safety standards which are comparable to global norms. All the trains are being provided with fire extinguishers in SLRs (Guard cum brakevan) and in locomotive for attending fire emergencies. Besides, all AC coaches and pantry cars in trains are also provided with fire extinguishers. Doors and emergency windows in functional condition are provided in all the trains. Vestibules serve as exit route to adjacent coaches.

Regular inspections are carried out for all safety equipment. It is ensured that all fire extinguishers are refilled at their due time. Regular exercise is carried out to check the knowledge of staff to operate the fire fighting equipment by the individual department. Indian Railways have adopted fire retardant interior finishing material including wall paneling, flooring, roof-paneling to minimize the risk of fire accidents.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

AKS/HK/LK/TR (Release ID :87619)

Railways plan to curb cellphone menace

Showing concern over increasing number of complaints regarding talking loudly on mobile phones by passengers and irritating sound of objectionable ring tones buzzing inside the coaches which affect the comfort level of fellow passengers, the Railway Board has decided to create awareness among people through mass media and public address system at the stations.

In this connection, director, passenger marketing in the Railway Board Monica Agnihotri has written letters to all chief commercial managers of Indian Railways including North Central Railway. The number of letter is 2012/TG-V/19/02 dated July 23.

The letter states that the matter has been examined by Board and with a view to making the use of mobile phone annoyance free to other passengers, inside the compartment, it has been decided that passengers be educated about the adverse impact on the comfort of fellow passengers of such usage.

It is pertinent to mention that there were large number of complaints regarding talking loudly on cell phones, long conversations by the passengers and sound of objectionable ring tones buzzing inside the enclosed space of coaches, especially inside AC coaches.

This effects the comfort level of other passengers and has been brought to the notice of the Board from time to time.

The letter mentions that as long conversations, talking loudly on phones and buzzing of ring tones having questionable contents in high volume disturb co-passengers, the co-operation of the passengers should be solicited to keep their mobiles on silent/vibration mode or the ringtone at low volume and also to avoid talking loudly and make their conversation shorts as far as possible by making announcement through Public Address System, wherever the same is available. Further, stickers should be displayed in coaches, especially AC coaches.

The Chief public relations officer of North Central Railway Sandeep Mathur informed that the zone would undertake awareness drive among the passengers that they should use mobile phones in such a way that it should not cause problems to the fellow passengers.

---

Input from Er. Ethirajan Ramesh

China’s rail link to Singapore intensifies exports race in S-E Asia

Even as China’s manufacturing activity continues to slide, with its purchasing managers index (PMI) falling below the 50% mark in August, the country has completed a rail link between two of its provinces, as part of a pan-Asian network that eventually stretches up to Singapore, with an eye on improving exports to south-east Asia. The rail line between Yuxi and -Mengzi in Yunan province of China is part of the pan-Asian network that will become operational by December, according to Chinese media, at a cost of $707 million, and has been completed ahead of schedule. The line connecting China with most countries of Association of South-East Asian Countries (ASEAN) would run from Kunming Laos, Thailand and Malaysia, to Singapore with alternate routes through Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. This would mean easier transportation of goods and services via rail instead of shipment over the South China sea. However, Indian business and trade officials are confident the new Chinese rail link will not significantly impact Indian trade with south-east Asia. Abhijit Das of Center for WTO Studies says the new line will make India’s trade with the ASEAN market slightly more difficult. “China is faster in completing infrastructure projects. But India and China can work together to come to a mutually beneficial solution,” says Das. Sanjay Budhia, member of the CII National Committee on Exports and Imports, says the new development in China should not affect India-China relations. "Competition is always welcome but not at the expense of one country having exclusive advantage over the other," says Budhia. The line now has a total length of 141 km passing through 35 tunnels and 61 bridges, accounting for 55% of its total length. Daya Sharma, director of Super Freight, opines that the new rail link will make insignificant difference to India’s exports to ASEAN. “The only difference will be in transportation cost. India access will be through shipping while China will use the rail link. Since manufacturing cost will stay the same, I do not see China’s rail affecting our exports,” says Sharma. A top official from the commerce ministry says the upcoming Mekong-Ganga meeting with the ASEAN countries in December might facilitate greater trade understanding. The Mekong-Ganga meeting will mark the 20 th anniversary of India-China dialogue partnership. The commerce ministry has planned an expedition by Indian Naval ship, Sudarshini, from September 15 to trace the ancient trade routes which followed the monsoon winds to highlight the maritime linkage between India and the south-east Asian countries. India’s exports to the ASEAN region for 2011-12 (April-December) stood at $26,790 million. The region is emerging as a trade hotspot with even United States negotiating a free trade agreement, known as the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), with ten other countries, including Singapore: Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam. China’s new rail link has been completed at a time when many firms in China’s export hub Wenzhou are closing down in face of the global economic meltdown. This wise move by China will revive China’s trade which was hit by cancellation of purchase contracts by recession-hit West, thus not only facilitating movement of goods and people, but also geopolitical stability. China is currently among the top ten exporters in the world.

Input from Er. Ethirajan Ramesh

Rail reservation charts to have TTEs name too

The Railway Board has given instructions to zonal railways for mentioning the names of Train Ticket Examiners (TTE) in the reservation charts so that passengers may identify them and get their problems solved.

In this connection, executive director, passenger marketing in the Railway Board A Madhukumar Reddy has written letters to all the chief commercial managers of the zonal railways so that the order can be implemented soon.

It is worth mentioning that duties of ticket checking staff manning reserved coaches include guiding the passengers of the trains, and rendering assistance by co-coordinating with the railway staff of other department in case of need.

The presence of on-board ticketing checking staff in the assigned coaches wearing proper uniform and identity badge is essential for ensuring proper guidance and assistance to the passengers.

The letter mentions that several instances have come to notice in which the passengers could not be able to locate the ticket checking staff for seeking guidance.

In order to enable the passengers to locate easily the ticket checking staff manning the trains for seeking assistance in case of need, it has been decided that the names of TTE/COR/Dy TS/TS responsible for manning the coaches shall be printed on the respective reservation charts of coaches through the PRS from the train originating station.

The names of the TTEs/ conductors manning the coaches on end-to-end basis shall be printed on the reservation chart through the PRS. For all other trains, names of ticket checking staff deployed on the first leg will be printed on the chart at the train originating station.

In case of a last minute change, the TTE/ conductor should make necessary correction in the chart by writing his name and designation on the chart. Zonal railways have been asked to issue suitable instructions for ensuring the above system.

Instructions should also be issued that the names of the outstation TTEs/conductors manning the coaches many be obtained by the train originating station and incorporated in the reservation charts through the PRS.

The letter further mentions that printing of reservation charts at any location should not be however delayed on this count.

---

With Input from Er. Ethirajan Ramesh

Soon, machine that can lay 1-km railway track each day

For the first time, the Indian Railways is planning to utilise track-laying machines that would help put in place one kilometre of railway lines each day.

Offered by US-based Harsco Rail, the machine would be first used for laying tracks on the 66-kilometre New Kawadia-Durgapur section of India’s eastern freight corridor — scheduled for inauguration in December 2013.

Costing Rs. 70 crore, the model is being imported on a trial basis by the Ferrovia Trans Rail Solutions Private Limited. The JV was awarded theRs. 156 crore contract for building tracks on the New Kawadia-Durgapur section. The first set of the track-laying machines is expected to arrive by December.

"This technology will mean a generational jump in rail track construction systems, and will help overcome labor issues," said RK Gupta, managing director of the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL).

Given the huge potential for laying rail tracks in India, these machines are expected to be in huge demand in coming years

At present, it takes approximately 10 days — besides nearly 3,000 labourers — to lay a kilometre of railway track through the use of semi-mechanised methods.

Railways’ Pilot Project on Using CNG as Alternate Fuel

Indian Railways have taken initiative of using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternate fuel on pilot project involving Diesel Power Car (DPC) of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU). Contracts for conversion of 50 DPCs have been placed on three different firms by Indian Railways Organisation for Alternate Fuels (IROAF) for Northern Railway Shakurbasti Diesel Shed homing DEMUs. Fitment of these kits is under progress. Such technology has not been tried out on any other major railroad on such a scale. It involves extensive trials and testing.

Cost of fitment on 50 DPCs is about Rs. 55 crore and savings in fuel consumption can be assessed only where these kits are positioned.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri K. H. Muniyappa in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 25.08.2012.

MACPS scheme in the cadre of JEs of CPWD kept in abeyance till further orders

A-11014/6/2012-EC.VI/832
Government of India
Directorate General
Central Public Works department

Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi,
Dated 21st August,2012

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject:- Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACPS) for the Central Government Civilian Employees.

Reference is invited to this Directorate Circular of even No dated 26th July, 2012 on the above mentioned subject. It has been further decided that MACPS scheme in the cadre of JEs of CPWD may please be kept in abeyance till further orders.

sd/-
(SURESH CHANDRA)
Dy. Director(Admn.)

Source: www.cpwd.gov.in

AC Double Decker Train Between Delhi Sarai Rohilla and Jaipur Flagged Off

The Minister of Railways, Shri Mukul Roy and Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dikshit flagged off the AC Double Decker train between Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur from Delhi Sarai Rohilla station today. The Minister of State for Railways, Shri K. H. Muniyappa, Mayor of M.C.D., Smt. Meera Aggarwal and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Mukul Roy said that the first AC Double Decker train was introduced between Howrah-Dhanbad in 2011 which was found to be satisfactory. He said that with the introduction of this much awaited Air Conditioned Double Decker service between Delhi and Jaipur, the Indian Railways have fulfilled the dream of the travelling public. He said that AC Double Decker coach which has been designed in-house and manufactured at Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, a Production Unit of Indian Railways is a noteworthy achievement.

The Railway Minister said that the design of the Double Decker coaches was a mighty challenge for the Railways as the entire Rail network and coach designs need to meet standard dimensions in length, breadth and height as per bridges, overhead electricity wire, tunnels, etc. It is not feasible to either enhance the width of the coach or increase its height. In keeping with these limitations, the railway officials worked out the design to enable accommodation of 120 passengers in the new coaches instead of 78 passengers in the existing chair cars of Shatabdi type. This makes the air-conditioned Double Decker production a major achievement. More Passengers can thus travel at most reasonable costs with the comfort of air-conditioned travel. Shri Roy said that the coaches of this AC Double Decker are made of stainless steel, which reduces the weight of the coaches. In keeping with the safety of the services, the coaches are designed with anti-climbing technology and have crash-worthy shells. Through the air springs in these coaches, passengers can derive greater ease and comfortable in travel, he said.

Shri Mukul Roy reiterated the commitment of the Indian Railways in delivering greater convenience to its passengers while keeping costs for these increased comforts minimal to the traveler. He also congratulated all the officers and staff of the Indian Railways for their zeal to deliver such convenience and comfortable mode of travel to the public.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Sheila Dikshit said that it is a very useful service between Delhi and Jaipur and will also promote tourism. This train will provide a comfortable ride in air conditioned atmosphere to the passengers. She said that more such services should be introduced for the benefit of the people.

The departure time of this daily AC Double Decker train (no. 12986) from Delhi Sarai Rohilla is 5.35 P.M. and arrival time at Jaipur is 10.05 P.M. From Jaipur this train (no. 12985) will depart at 6.00 A.M. and arrive at Delhi Sarai Rohilla at 10.30 A.M. This AC Double Decker train will have two stops on its way namely Delhi Cantt. and Gurgaon Railway Station.

Also present among others on the occasion were Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinay Mittal, Board Members, General Manager, Northern Railway, Shri V. K. Gupta and senior Railway officials.

Source Link: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=86746

Ministry of Railway Bags 8 National Sports Awards 2012

Railway Sports Promotion Board gets Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 6 Railway Sportspersons get Arjuna Award 1 Athletics Coach from Railways gets Dronacharya Award

Ministry of Railway gets 8 awards to its credit in the National sport award announced by the Government of India for the year 2012. These include Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2012, 6 Arjuna Awards and 1 Dronacharya Award.

In a momentous recognition of the role and contribution of the Indian Railways in promoting sports in the country, Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) of Ministry of Railways has bagged “Rastriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar”, for the year 2012 which is a part of National Sports Awards, announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The award to the Railways is in the category called “Financial support for sport excellence. The Indian Railways, was also the winner of the first ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar’ in 2009 in the category “Employment of Sportspersons and Sports Welfare Measures”.

6 Railway sportspersons who are among the winners of Arjuna Awards 2012 include Ms. Laishram Bombayla Devi (Eastern Railway- Archery), Ms. Sudha Singh (Central Railway- Athletics), Mr. Joydeep Karmakar (South Eastern Railway-Shooting), Mr. Sandeep Sejwal (Western Railway-Swimming), Mr. Narsingh Yadav (Western Railway -Wrestling), Mr. Rajinder Kumar (Western Railway -Wrestling).

In addition, Athletics coach Shri Virender Poonia from North Western Railway is among the winners of Dronacharya Awards for 2012.

National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Dronacharya Award is given to coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international sports events. Arjuna Award is given for consistently outstanding performance for three consecutive years preceding the year of award. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar, introduced from 2009 with a view to recognizing the contribution made to sports development by entities other than sportspersons and coaches, is given in four categories, namely, Community Sports Identification and Nuturing of Building Young Talent, Financial Support for Sports Excellence, Establishment and Management of Sports Academies of Excellence and Employment of Sportspersons and Sports Welfare Measures.

Indian Railways always takes lead in promoting sports in the country. Railways sports persons have been participating in prestigious national as well as international competitions like Asiad, Commonwealth Games, Olympics, other international level sports events and bringing laurels to the nation. With a galaxy of promising and outstanding sports persons on its roll since the inception of Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) in 1928, Indian Railways have always been striving hard to take up the new challenges and bring laurels to the nation.

With this year’s new awards, Indian Railway Pariwar is now proud to have 19 Padamshrees, 3 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardees, 146 Arjuna Awardees, 7 Dhyanchand Awardees, 6 Dronacharya awardees and 2 Rastriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar to its credit.

The awardees for the year 2012 will receive their awards from his excellency the President of India at a specially organized function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi on August 29,2012.

Source Link: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=86757

Reservation in promotion : Fearing court, Govt. to amend constitution

As a consequence of the letter by the attorney general that the proposed quota for SCs/STs in promotions can be challenged in courts, the Centre has decided to remove of two critical clauses from the constitution in Parliament. These clauses can make it easy to be challenged in the court.

The government will recommend the removal of the term “inadequate representation”, as mentioned in Article 16 (4) to provide reservation in issues concerning promotion and appointments. Similarly, it will delink the term “efficiency of administration” from the claims of SCs/STs for jobs and promotions, mentioned in Article 335.

The Supreme Court had earlier pointed out that three aspects needs to be looked into for reservations in promotions. These are being backwardness, inadequacy of representation and overall administrative efficiency. Only if these criteria are met then promotions given to people from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes would be valid.

Attorney general had written to the Department for Personnel and Training (DoPT), cautioning that the “government may proceed with its bill to amend the constitution for providing reservation to SCs/STs in promotion, but is vulnerable to legal challenges”.

The government will recommend the removal of the term “inadequate representation”, as mentioned in Article 16 (4) to provide reservation in issues concerning promotion and appointments. Similarly, it will delink the term “efficiency of administration” from the claims of SCs/STs for jobs and promotions, mentioned in Article 335.

Transaction Failures in E-Ticket Booking

During the period from April 2011 to March 2012, while 11.62 crore tickets were booked successfully through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website, in 96.12 lakh cases payment was settled but tickets were not booked.

In May 2012 and June 2012, in 13.19 lakh and 11.41 lakh cases respectively payment were settled but tickets were not booked. The reasons for such incomplete transaction included non availability of lower berths, entry of wrong password, network failure etc.

In addition to regular monitoring of the system, the following measures have been taken to improve the functioning of the IRCTC website:

Capacity of the servers has been upgraded to meet the demand.

Internet Bandwidth has been increased from 350 Mbps to 450 Mbps.

IRCTC is continuously coordinating with various banks regarding payment gateway to reduce failed cases. This has resulted in improvement in success rate of transactions.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today (August 24, 2012).

Steps Taken to Prevent Misuse of Tatkal Tickets

Ministry of Railways

With a view to reduce the scope for misuse, Tatkal tickets are issued on production of self attested photocopy of one of the prescribed proof of identity and the same in original is required to be carried during the journey, to verify the bonafide of passengers. However, during peak rush periods when the demand outstrips the availability, some cases of black marketing of reserved tickets by touts come to notice at the time of surprise inspections and preventive checks conducted at reservation offices.

During the period from April 2012 to June 2012, a large number of checks were conducted during which 930 unauthorized agents/touts were apprehended/prosecuted.

During the current financial year (upto June 2012), Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has permanently deactivated 14 subagents for involvement in irregularities. Moreover, with a view to keep a check on the activities of agents booking Tatkal tickets, following additional steps have been taken:

1. The timing of opening of reservation of Tatkal tickets has been changed to 1000 hours on the previous day of journey instead of 0800 hours as per earlier provision.

2. Access to Tatkal bookings has been denied to agents both through internet as well as across the computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters between 1000 hours & 1200 hours.

3. Captcha has been introduced to check fraudulent booking on internet through automation software.

4. Booking of only two tickets per IP address between 1000 hours and 1200 hours is permitted to avoid multiple booking from same office/internet café.

5. Quick book option and booking on cash card is not allowed between 1000 hours and 1200 hours.

6. Individual users can also book only two tickets between 1000 hours and 1200 hours.

7. No refund is granted on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets except under special circumstances like cancellation of train, late running of train by more than three hours, etc.

8. Duplicate Tatkal tickets are not issued except on payment of full fare.

9. Facility of change of name is not available under this scheme.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today (August 24, 2012).

Source: PIB

DOPT ISSUED FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS

DOPT published today on its official website regarding the 'Administrative Tribunals', the clarification is given as ‘FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS’ and it placed under for your information…

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS

Q.1 What is the objective behind setting up of Central Administrative Tribunal?

Ans. To provide in-expensive and speedy relief to Central Government Employees in respect of their grievances related to service matters.

Q.2 What are the jurisdiction of a Central Administrative Tribunal?

Ans. CAT adjudicates disputes with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or other local authorities with the territory of India or under the control of Government of India and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Q.3 What are the qualifications for appointment as Chairman and other Members of the Tribunal?

A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chairman unless he is, or has been, a Judge of a High Court.

Provided that a person appointed as Vice-Chairman before the commencement of this Act shall be qualified for appointed as Chairman if such person has held the office of the Vice-Chairman at least for a period of two years.

(2) A person shall not e qualified for appointment :-

(a) as an Administrative Member, unless he has held for at least tow years the post of Secretary to the Government of India or any other post under the Central or State government and carrying the scale of pay which is not less than that of a Secretary to the Government of India for at least two years or held a post of Additional Secretary to the Government of India for at least five years or any other post under the Central or State Government carrying the scale of pay which is not less than that of Additional Secretary to the Government of India at least for a period of five years :

Provided that the officers belonging to All India Services who were or are on Central deputation to a lower post shall be deemed to have held the post of Secretary or Additional Secretary, as the case may be, from the date such officers were granted proforma promotion or actual promotion whichever is earlier to the level of Secretary or Additional Secretary, as the case may be, and the period spent on Central deputation after such date shall count for qualifying service for the purpose of this clause:

(b) as a Judicial Member, unless he is or qualified to be Judge of a High Court or he has for at least two years held the post of a Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Legal Affairs or the Legislative Department including Member-Secretary, Law Commission of India or held a post Additional secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative at least for a period of five years.

Q.5 Where are the benches of Central Administrative Tribunals located?

Ans. There are 17 Benches of the Tribunal, located throughout the country wherever the seat of a High Court located, with 33 Division Benches. In addition, circuit sittings are held at Nagpur, Goa, Aurangabad, Jammu, Shimla, Indore, Gwalior, Bilaspur, Ranchi, Pondicherry, Gangtok, Port Blair, Shillong, Agartala, Kohima, lmphal, Itanagar, Aizwal and Nainital.

Q.6 what are the limitations of admitting an application? Ans. As per Section 21 of the Administrative Tribunal Act. 1985 (1) A Tribunal shall not admit an application :-

(a) In a case where a final order such as is mentioned in clause (a) of sub-(2) of section 20 has been made in connection with the grievance unless the application is made, within one year from the date on which such final order has been made:

(b) In a e where an appeal or representation such as e mentioned in clause (b) of sub-section (2) of section 20 has been made and a period of six months had expired thereafter without such final order having been made within one year from the dale of expiry of the said period of six months.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where -
(a) the grievance in respect of which an application is made had arisen by reason of any order made at any time during the period of three years immediately preceding the date on whdi the jurisdiction, powers and authority of the Tribunal becomes exercisable under this Act in respect of the mater to which such order relates; and

(b) no proceedings for the readressal of such grievance had been commenced before the said date before any High Court, the application shall be entertained by the Tribunal if it is made within the period referred to in clause (a), or. as the case may be. clause (b), of sub section (1) or within a period of six months from the said date. whichever period expires later.

3. Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section(2). an application may be admitted after the period of one year specified in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1) or, as the case may be, the period of six months specified in sub-section (2), if the applicant satisfies the Tribunal that he had sufficient cause for not making the application within such period.

Upgradation of Facilities in Railway Hospitals

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Railways

Upgradation of Facilities in Railway Hospitals

There are sufficient medical facilities and doctors available in the hospitals of Indian Railways. A network of 125 well equipped hospitals and 586 health units provide necessary health care to Railway beneficiaries.

There are 2504 sanctioned posts of doctors in Indian Railways. As on date there are 2240 doctors on roll. Vacancies of doctors in Railways are filled up by posting Union Public Service Commission selected doctors. Vacancies are also being filled up by appointing Contract Medical Practitioners including specialists, ensuring continuous availability of doctors.

Upgrading of the facilities in the hospitals is an ongoing process and works and equipments are sanctioned to improve the existing infrastructure and add new facilities based on the needs of the Railway beneficiaries.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri K. H. Muniyappa in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today August 23, 2012).

Restructuring / Reorganisation of Staffing pattern of Trackmen on Indian Railways

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

S.No.PC-VI/297
RBE No.91/2012

No.2010/CE-I(Spl)/GNS/15(Pt.)

New Delhi, dated 17.08.2012

The GMs/CAOs(R)
All Indian Railways and Production Units
(As per mailing list)
Subject : Restructuring / Reorganisation of Staffing pattern of Trackmen on Indian Railways.

The issue of carrer progression and working conidtions of Trackmen on Railways has regularly been raised at various fora from time to time in the past through both the recognized Federations, Accordingly, a Joint Committee comprising of representations of both the recognized Federations and Senior Administrative Grade Officers (SAG) of Railway Board was consitituted to consider career progression of Tackmen alsongwith review of their existing channel of promotion etc. Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have considered the report of the Committee and decided that the existing categories of Trackmen / Gatemen / Trolleymen / Watchmen / Keymen in PB-I, Grade Pay Rs.1800 and Mates(P.Way) in PB-1, Grade Pay Rs.1900 in the Permanent Way side of Civil Engineering Deptt.of Indian Railways will henceforth, be operated as a unified cadre of Track Maintainer as per the following pattern:

(i) The categories of Trackmen/Trolleymen/Gatemen/Watchmen/Keymen in Civil Engineering Department (P.Way) in PB-1, Grade Pay Rs.1800 be clubbed and given the designation of Track Maintainer Grade-IV (PB-1, Grade Pay Rs.1800);

(ii) The Mates (P.Way) in PB-1, Grade Pay Rs.1900 may be re-designated as Track Maintainer Grade III (PB-1, Grade pay Rs.1900). This would be the next level of promotion for Track Maintainer Grade-IV

(iii) Posts in PB-1, Grade Pay Rs.2400 of unified cadre of Track Maintainer to be filled from eligible staff from the next lower Grade Pay of Track Maintainer category based on seniority cum suitability and may be designated as Track Maintainer Grade II

(iv) Posts in PB-1, Grade Pay Rs.2800 of unified cadre of Track Maintainer to be filled from eligible staff from the next lower Grade Pay of Track Maintainer category based on selection and may be designated as Track Mainainer Grade-I.

Accordingly, revised structure of unified cadre of Track Maintainer would be as under:

SN.	Designation	Pay Structure	% age distribution of posts
1.	Track Maintainer-I	PB-1 GP Rs.2800	3
2.	Track Maintainer-II	PB-1 GP Rs.2400	6
3.	Track Maintainer-III	PB-1 GP Rs.1900	20
4.	Track Maintainer-IV	PB-1 GP Rs.1800	71

2. Detailed instructions regarding norms / procedure for future recruitment and promotion in the unified cadre of Track Maintainers will be issued by Establishment Directorate separately.

3. Detailed duties/responsibilities attached to each post in the revised pattern and corresponding changes in Permanent Way Manual I Safety Manuals, training manual etc. will be notified separately by Civil Engineering Directorate/concerned Directorate of this Ministry.

4. The above revised pattern of unified cadre of Track Maintainer will be effective from the date of issue of these orders.

5. This has the sanction of the President & issues in consultation with Establishment Directorate and with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

Hindi version will follow.

(M.K. Nanda)
Jt. Director, Pay Commission
Railway Board.

Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in

AK Antony's reply on anomalies in Rajya Sabha

Recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission and several improvements made thereon by the Government have been largely well received by the armed forces personnel including ex-servicemen. Some issues regarding service conditions, pay, pension and allowances have subsequently been received. These issues are examined by the Government on case to case basis.

In the matter relating to retirement benefits, an Anomaly Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Defence/Finance). This Committee identified some anomalies which have since been addressed to by the Government.

Improvement of service conditions, pay, allowances and retirement benefits of armed forces personnel is a continuous process. Recently, a Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary has been set up to look into certain issues of relevance to the defence service personnel and ex-servicemen and to provide suitable recommendations.

This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Mohd. Ali Khan in Rajya Sabha today.

CCS Leaves available to Central Government Employees

The Government of India have made provisions under CCS Leave Rules for certain type of leave available to all the Central Government Civilian employees, to meet their Family, medical and Social liabilities.

Types of Leaves:

1.  Earned Leave(EL)
2.  Half Pay Leave(HPL)
3. Commuted Leave
4. Leave Not Due(LND)
5. Maternity Leave
6. Paternity Leave
7. Study Leave
8. Extra Ordinary Leave(EOL)
9. Casual Leave(CL)
10. Special Casual Leave.(SCL)
11. Child Care Leave
12. Hospital Leave
13. Vacational Department Staff Leave
14. Special Disability Leave
15. Child Adoption Leave

For Full detailed with rules, visit link below. or continue scrolling down for brief detail:

Here is Brief Description of different types of leaves....

1. Earned Leave:

The credit for earn leave will awarded at a rate of 15 days on the 1st of January and 1st of July every year. It can be accumulated up to 300 days in addition to the number of days for which encashment has been allowed along with LTC. Maximum of 180 days at a time can be availed in the case of Earned Leave. Some exceptions are also there. 

Earned leave exceeding 180 days but not exceeding 300 days at a time may be granted to Group 'A' and Group 'B' officers, if at least the quantum of leave in excess of 180 days is spent outside India, Srilanka, Bangladesh, Nepal , Pakistan , Bhutan Burma. This leave may be taken at at time upto 300 days as leave preparatory to retirement. 

2. Half Pay Leave

Half pay leave is calculated at 20 days for each completed year of service. For eg, if you are in service for 2 years , you will be having a total of 40 days of half pay leave. The service inculdes periods of duty and leave including extraordinary leave with or without MC. Half pay leave can be availed with or without MC(Medical Certificate). From 1st January 1986, half pay leave is credited in advance at the rate of 10 days on the 1st of January and 1st of July every year. 

3.Commuted Leave:

Commuted leave not exceeding half the amount of half-pay leave due can be taken on medical certificate. Up to a maximum of 90 days can be taken during the entire service without medical certificate where such leave is utilized for an approved course of study certified to be in university interest.

It can be taken  up to a maximum of 60 days can be granted to a female employee in continuation of maternity leave without medical certificate and upto a maximum of 60 days can be granted without medical certificate to a female employee with less than two living children, on adoption of a child less than one year old. Commuted leave may be granted at the request of the employee even when earned leave is due to him.

4. Leave Not Due

Leave not due is granted when there is no half-pay leave at credit and the employee requests for the grant of Leave Not Due.  Temporary officials with one year’s service and suffering from TB, Leprosy, Cancer or Mental illness may also be granted LND if the post from which the official proceeds on leave is likely to last till his return.

It is granted only medical certificate  if the leave sanctioning authority is satisfied that there is a reasonable prospect of the employee returning to duty on its expiry.  It may be granted without medical certificate in continuation of maternity leave. and may be granted without medical certificate to a female employee with less than two living children, on adoption of a child less than one year old. The amount of leave should be limited to the half-pay leave that the employee is likely to earn subsequently.

Leave not due during the entire service is limited to a maximum of 360 days and  due will be debited against the half-pay leave that the employee may earn subsequently.

5. Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is granted to women government employees.

1) Pregnancy: 180 days – Admissible only to employees with less than two surviving children.

2) Miscarriage/abortion (induced or otherwise): Total of 45 days in the entire service. However, any such leave taken prior to 16.6.1994 will not be taken into account for this limitation. Admissible irrespective of number of surviving children. Application to be supported by a certificate from a registered medical practitioner for NGOs and from AMA for GOs.

The materntiy leave is not debited to leave account and full pay is granted. It cannot be combined with any other leaves and counts as service for increments and pension. 

6. Paternity Leave

 A male employee with less than two surviving children may be grantedPaternity Leave for a period of 15 days during the confinement of his wife. During the period of such leave he shall be paid leave salary equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave. Paternity Leave shall not be debited against the leave account and may be combined with other kind of leave as in the case of Maternity Leave. 

7. Study Leave

Study leave may be granted to all government employees with not less than five years’ service for undergoing a special course consisting of higher studies or specialized training in a professional or technical subject having a direct and close connection with the sphere of his duties as a civil servant. 

The course for which the study leave is taken should be certified to be of definite advantage to govt from the point of view of public interest and that particular study should be approved by the authority competent to grant leave.

The official should submit a full report on the work done during study leave.Maximum of 24 months of leave is sanctioned. In the case of CHS officers 36 months of leave can be granted at a stretch or in different spells. 

Study leave will not be debited to the leave account and may be combined with other leave due. 

Study leave is not granted for studies outside India if facilities are available in India and to an official due to retire within 3 years of return from the study leave. 

8. Extra Ordinary Leave

Extraordinary leave is granted to a Government servant when no other leave is admissible or when other leave is admissible, but the Government servant applies in writing for extraordinary leave. 

Extraordinary leave cannot be availed concurrently during the notice period, when going on voluntary retirement and  EOL may also be granted to regularize periods of absence without leave retrospectively.

9. Casual Leave

In a calendar year eight days of casual leave is permissible. 

Casual leave is not a recognized form of leave and is not subject to any rules made by the Government of India. An official on Casual Leave is not treated as absent from duty and pay is not intermitted.

(i) Casual Leave can be combined with Special Casual Leave/vacation but not with any other kind of leave.

(ii) It cannot be combined with joining time.

(iii) Sundays and Holidays falling during a period of Casual Leave are not counted as part of Casual Leave.

(iv) Sundays/public holidays/restricted holidays/weekly offs can be prefixed/suffixed to Casual Leave.

(v) Casual Leave can be taken while on tour, but no daily allowance will be admissible for the period.

(vi) Casual Leave can be taken for half day also.

(vii) Essentially intended for short periods. It should not normally be granted for more than 5 days at any one time,except under special circumstances.

(viii) LTC can be availed du ring Casual Leave.

(ix) Individuals appointed and joining duty during the middle of a year may avail of Casual Leave proportionately or to the full extent at the discretion of the Competent Authority.

10. Special Casual Leave

Special Casual Leave- Special casual leave is not a recognized form of leave and a

Government employee on special casual leave is not treated as absent from duty. These may

be granted in the following circumstances:-

For participation in Sports Activities- Government employees may be sanctioned special

casual leave for a period not exceeding 30 days in any one calendar year for sporting events of

National and International importance such as -

(i) participating in sporting events of national/international importance;

(ii) coaching/administration of teams participating in sporting events of national/international

importance;

(iii) attending coaching or training camps under All India Coaching or Training Schemes;

(iv) attending coaching or training camps at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala;

(v) participating in mountaineering expeditions;

(vi) attending coaching camps in sports organized by National Sports Federation /Sports Boards

recognized by All India Council of Sports; and

(vii) participating in trekking expeditions.

11. Child Care Leave

Woman employees having minor children may be granted Child Care Leave by an authority competent to grant leave for a maximum period of 730 days (2 years) during their entire service for taking care of up to two children., whether for rearing or to look after any of their needs like examination, sickness, etc.

Conditions for Child Care Leave

1. Child care leave shall not be admissible if the child is eighteen years of age or older equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.

2. It can be availed in more than one spell. 

3. It can not be debited against the leave account.

4. It may be combined with leave of the kind due and admissible.

12. Hospital Leave:

Hospital leave is admissible to Group 'C' employees whose duteis involve handling of dangerous machinary, explosive materials, poisonous drugs and perfomance of hazardous taks and to Group 'D' Employees.

Medical certificate from an authorized medical attendant is necessary for grant of this leave. This hospital leave may be combined with any other kind of leave due and admissible, provided total period of leave does not exceed 28 months. 

13. Vacation Department Staff leave Entitlement

The leave entitlements of employees of Vacation Departments (ie departments where regular vacations are allowed during which those serving in them are permitted to be absent from duty) are the same as those serving in non-vacation Departments except in respect of 'earned leave'.

No earned leave will be admissible to a govt servant of a vacation Department in any year in which he avails of the full vacation. The vacation can be combined with casual leave.

14. Special Disability Leave

Special disability leave admissible to all employees when disabled by injury intentionally or accidentally inflicted or  caused in or in consequence of the due performance of official duties or in consequences of official position. The disability above should have manifested within three months of the occurrence to which it is attributed and the person disabled had acted with due promptitude in bringing it to notice. The leave sanctioning authority, if satisfied as to the cause of the disability, may relax the condition and grant leave in cases where disability has manifested more than three months after the occurrence of its cause. 

Special disability leave is also admissible when disabled by illness incurred in the performance of any particular duty, which has the effect of increasing liability to illness or injury beyond the ordinary risk attaching to the civil post held, under the same condition.This disability should be certified by an Authorised Medical Attendant to be directly due to the performance of the particular duty.

Maximum of 24 months of leave may be granted.

May be combined with any other leave.

Will count as service for pension.

Will not be debited to the leave account.

15) Child Adoption Leave: 

Child adoption leave is granted to Female employees, with fewer than two surviving children on valid adoption of a child below the age of one year, for a period of 135 days immediately after the date of valid adoption.

Leave salary will be equal to the pay drawn immediately before proceeding on leave.

It may be combined with leave of any other kind.

Leave not debited against the leave account. 

1,90,000 vacancies including safety category post are going to fill in Indian Railways - Railway Minister

The following information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 17.8.2012 regarding the topic of 'Safety related vacancies'.

The number of vacancies in safety category posts as on 01.04.2012 is 149271 (provisional). Arising and filling of vacancies is a continuous process. Vacancies arise due to normal retirement, voluntary retirements, deaths, promotions, creation of posts, etc.

The policy of the Railway Administration is to fill up available vacancies promptly as per laid down procedures. Notifications for filling up of about 1,90,000 posts, including safety category posts have already been issued.

Railway authorities allow change in the name of passenger holding confirmed reservation

Railway authorities allow change in the name of passenger holding confirmed reservation

The below information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 17.8.2012 regarding the subject of change in the name of passengers in reservation tickets...

Railway authorities allow change in the name of passenger holding confirmed reservation

Passengers (Change of Names) Rules, 1990 restrict the facility of change of name by any passenger having a berth/seat reserved in his/her name to five conditions i.e. Government servant proceeding on duty, family member, students of a recognized Government institution, cadet of National Cadet Corps(NCC) & marriage party.

With a view to prevent the misuse of this facility, detailed procedure has been advised to all Zonal Railways which, inter- alia, stipulates for granting of this permission generally by a gazetted officer on production of the specified supporting documents, maintaining of record of such permission and inspection of this record periodically.

Change of name facility is not permitted on Tatkal scheme.

No complaint regarding misuse of this facility has been reported in 2012-13.

There is no proposal at present to review this scheme.

Corporatisation of Railways

The following information was given by the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 18.5.2012 regarding corporatisation of Railways.

Que : Whether it is proposed to corporatise Railways
Ans: No, Sir.

Que : Whether it is proposed to outsource non-transportation work
Ans: Outsourcing of certain services in Railways is done on a need-based manner to improve efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. There is no decision to outsource non-transportation work.

Que : Whether it is also proposed to go in for parallel disinvestment
Ans: No, Sir.

Que : if so, the details thereof?
Ans: Does not arise.

Release of additional instalment of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 1.1.2012 representing an increase of 7% over the existing rate of 58% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise. The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission. The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both dearness allowance and dearness relief would be of the order of Rs.7474.53 crore per annum and Rs.8720.32 crore in the financial year 2012-13 (i.e. for a period of 14 months from January, 2012 to February, 2013).

Source Link: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx

Views of GS IRTSA on Railway Budget 2012-13 & Roll Back of Fares therein

1. Central Govt should compensate the Railways for the loss on account of the "Roll-Back" of Fares - as it has increased the subsidy on Passenger Fares still further.

2. The entire subsidy on Passenger & Freight - should be met proportionately by the Central and State Governments which ask for the same - ignoring economic realities.

3. Dividend payment by the Railways to Central Govt should be waived off - as the Railways are going in a loss on account of subsidies.

4. Early setting up of independent Tariff Regulatory Authority for Railways.

5. Central Government should increase the Capital investment in the Railways - on a higher priority - as has been done in case of National Highways. This is essentially required for expansion, modernization, safety & security of the Railways - and in turn for the National Development.

New Pension System (NPS) – FAQ

1. What is the New Pension System (NPS)?

The NPS is a new contributory pension scheme introduced by the Central Government for employees joined in Government Service on or after 1.1.2004. During the year 2009, the NPS was kept open for public.

2. Who is covered by the NPS?

a. Employees who have joined central government service on or after 01 January 2004 including Railways, Posts, Telecommunication or Armed Forces (Civil), Autonomous Body, Grant-in-Aid Institution, Union Territory or any other undertaking whose employees were eligible to a pension from the Consolidated Fund of India., earlier.

b. This contribution pension scheme is also open to any Indian citizen between the age of 18 and 55.

3. I am covered by the NPS. Can I contribute to the GPF?

No. The General Provident Fund ( Central Service) Rules, 1960 is not applicable for employees covered by NPS.

4. I Am covered by the NPS. Am I eligible to Gratuity?

No. You will not be eligible to Gratuity.

5. How does the NPS work ?

When you join Government service, you will be allotted a unique Personal Pension Account Number (PPAN). This unique account number will remain the same for the rest of your life. You will be able to use this account from any location and also if you change your job. The PPAN will provide you with two personal accounts:

1. A mandatory Tier-I pension account, and

2. A voluntary Tier-II savings account.

6. What is the difference between Tier-I and Tier-II accounts?

1. Tier-I account: You will have to contribute 10% of your pay in pay band + grade pay + DA into your Tier-I (pension) account on a mandatory basis every month. You will not be allowed to withdraw your savings from this account till you retire at age 60. Your monthly contributions and your savings in this account, subject to a ceiling to be decided by the government, will be exempt from income tax. These savings will only be taxed when you withdraw them at retirement.

2. Tier-II account: This is simply a voluntary savings facility for you. Your contributions and savings in this account will not enjoy any tax advantages. But you will be free to withdraw your savings from this account whenever you wish.

7. How will I contribute to my Tier-I (pension) account?

Every month, the government will deduct 10% of your salary (10% of pay in pay band + grade pay + DA) and automatically transfer this amount to your Tier-I account in your name.

8. Will the Government contribute anything to my Tier-I (pension) account?

Yes. As your employer, the Government will match your contribution (10% of pay in pay band + grade pay + DA) and transfer this amount also to your Tier-I account in your name.

9. Can I contribute more than 10% into my Tier-I account?

Yes. You will be permitted to contribute more than the mandated 10% of pay in pay band + grade pay + DA into your Tier-I account – subject to any ceiling that may be decided by the Government.

10. Will the Government also contribute more than 10% into my Tier-I account?

No. The contribution of the Government will be limited to 10% of your pay in pay band + grade pay + DA.

11. What will happen if I am transferred to another city?

The PPAN number will stay the same and you will be able to use the same account.

12. If I leave Government service before I retire will the Government continue to contribute to my Tier-I account?

No. The 10% contribution by the Government will stop when you leave Government service. However, your savings in your Tier-I and Tier-II accounts will stay in your name and you will be able to continue using these accounts to save for your retirement.

13. What if I die or become permanently disabled during my service?

Additional Relief on death/disability of Government servants covered by the NPS(New Pension Scheme) recruited on or after 1.1.2004 has been discussed in this Office Memorandum No.38/41/06/P&PW(A) Dated 5th May, 2009

14. How will the money be invested?

The money you invest in NPS will be managed by professional fund managers. Currently, you have the choice of picking up one of the following six fund managers: ICICI Prudential Pension Management, IDFC Pension Fund Management, Kotak Mahindra Pension Fund, Reliance Capital Pension Fund, SBI Pension Funds, and UTI Retirement Solutions. In addition to this there are three schemes for which you have to opt.

Scheme A This scheme will invest mainly in Government bonds

Scheme B This scheme will invest mainly in corporate bonds and partly in equity and government bonds

Scheme C This scheme will invest mainly in equity and partly in government bonds and corporate bonds.

15. Can I switch fund managers if I am not happy with my current fund manager?

Yes, you can switch fund managers. PFRDA, the pension fund regulator, will declare the value of your investment every year in April. At that point of time, if you are not satisfied with the performance of your fund manager, you can switch to another fund manager between May 1 and May 15.

16. What are the charges?

This is where NPS wins hands down against all other modes of creating a corpus to generate income after retirement. The fund management charge of NPS is 0.0009% of the value of the investment, every year. In comparison, pension plans of insurance companies charge 0.75-1.75% as fund management charge, which is 800-2000 times higher. The other expenses charged are also very reasonable.

17. I am covered by the NPS. Do the old Pension Rules apply to me?

No. The Central Civil Service Pension Rules (1972) will not be applicable to you.

18. Who will be responsible for the NPS and for protecting my interests?

The Government has set up a new dedicated regulatory authority known as Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). The PFRDA will be responsible for the NPS and for protecting your interests in the NPS in consultation with Ministry of Finance.

19. Who in the Government will issue me a PPAN account and be responsible for the deductions?

When you join Government service, your Drawing and Disbursement Officer (DDO) will instruct you to fill out a NPS form. You will be required to provide your full professional and personal details including details of your nominee in this form. The DDO will issue you the PPAN number(PRAN) and will also be responsible for all administrative matters related to your NPS accounts including deduction of your contributions, transferring your contributions and the matching contribution of the Government to your Tier-I pension account.

20. What will happen to my contributions to my Tier-I account?

Your monthly contributions, and the matching contributions by the Government into your Tier-I account, will be transferred by the Government in your name to a Pension Fund Manager (PFM). The PFM will invest your contributions on your behalf. In this way, your savings will appreciate and grow over time.

21. Will I be permitted to select more than one Pension Fund Manager to manage my savings?

Yes. If you wish, you will be able to spread your savings across multiple PFMs – where a part of your savings are managed by 2 or more PFMs.

22. Am I guaranteed a certain rate of return?

No return is guaranteed as it is in case of EPF and PPF. The amount of money you make is dependant on how well the fund managers chosen by you perform. But, the extremely low charges in NPS sure give it an edge over the the pension plans of insurance companies.

23. 11. Can I contribute more than 10 into my Tier-I account?

Yes. You will be permitted to contribute more than the mandated 10% of Basic+DA+DP into your Tier-I account – subject to any ceiling that may be decided by the Government.

24. Can I withdraw money from the account?

The NPS offers two accounts: tier I and tier II. Currently only tier I account is available. This is a non-withdrawable account and investments in this keep accumulating till you turn 60. Withdrawal is allowed only in case of death, critical illness or if you are building or buying your first house. In case of death the nominee can get 100% of NPS wealth in a lump sum. He can however continue with the NPS in case he wishes to.

25. What will happen to my savings in the Tier-I account when I retire?

You will be able to withdraw 60% of your savings as a lump sum when you retire. You will be required to use the balance 40% of your savings to purchase an annuity scheme from a life insurance company of your choice. The life insurance company will pay you a monthly pension for the rest of your life.

26. Can I use more than 40% of my savings to purchase the annuity?

Yes. You can use more than 40% of your savings to purchase annuity.

27. What will happen to my savings if I decide to retire before age 60?

You will be required to use 80% of your savings in your Tier-I account to purchase the annuity. You will be able to withdraw the balance 20% of your savings as a lumpsum. The other option is , you can continue to invest in NPS on monthly basis and then purchase annuity using 40% of your savings at the age of 60.

28. Will the annuity also provide a family (survivor) pension?

Yes. You will have an option of selecting an annuity which will pay a survivor pension to your spouse.

29. What will happen to my savings in the Tier-I account when I retire?

You will be able to withdraw 60% of your savings as a lumpsum when you retire. You will be required to use the balance 40% of your savings to purchase an annuity scheme from a life insurance company of your choice. The life insurance company will pay you a monthly pension for the rest of your life.

30. What happens at retirement?

NPS by default sets the retirement age at 60. Once you attain that age, you can use the money that has accumulated to generate a regular pension for yourself. In order to do this, you have to compulsorily buy immediate annuity from a life insurance company with 40% of the money that has accumulated. As explained at the beginning, buying an immediate annuity will assure a regular payment for you.  Since a minimum of 40% needs to be used to buy an immediate annuity, a maximum of 60% of the money accumulated can be withdrawn. However, unlike other tax-saving instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), wherein the amount at maturity is tax-free, in case of NPS this amount is taxable.

31. Whether a retiring Government servant is entitled for leave encashment after retirement under the NPS?

The benefit of encashment of leave salary is not a part of the retirement benefits admissible under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. It is payable in terms of CCS (Leave) Rules which will continue to be applicable to the government servants who join the government service on after 1-1-2004. Therefore, the benefit of encashment of leave salary payable to the governments/to their families on account of retirement/death will be admissible.

32. Why is it mandatory to use 40% of pension wealth to purchase the annuity at the time of the exit (i.e. after the age of 60 years) from NPS?

This provision has been made in the New Pension Scheme with an intention that the retired government servants should get regular monthly income during their retired life.

33. Whether any minimum age or minimum service is required to quit from Tier-I?

Exit from Tier-I can only take place when an individual leaves Government service.

34. Whether Dearness Pay is counted as basic pay for recovery of 10% for Tier-I?

As per the New Pension Scheme, the total Dearness Allowance is to be taken into account for working out the contributions to Tier-I. Subsequently, a part of the “Dearness Allowance” has been treated as Dearness Pay. Therefore, this should also be reckoned for the purpose of contributions.

35. Whether contribution towards Tier-I from arrears of DA is to be deducted?

Yes. Since the contribution is to be worked out at 10% of (Pay+ DP+DA), it needs to be revised whenever there is any change in these elements.

36. Who will calculate the interest PAO or CPAO?

The PAO should calculate the interest.

37. What happens if an employee gets transferred during the month? Which office will make deduction of Contribution?

As in the case of other recoveries, the recovery of contributions towards New Pension Scheme for the full month (both individual and government) will be made by the office who will draw salary for the maximum period.

38. Whether NPA payable to medical officers will count towards ‘Pay’ for the purpose of working out contributions to NPS?

Yes. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has clarified vide their O.M. no. A45012/11/97-CHS.V dated 7-4-98 that the Non-Practicing Allowance shall count as ‘pay’ for all service benefits. Therefore, this will be taken into account for working out the contribution towards the New Pension Scheme.

39. Whether a government servant who was already in service prior to 1.1.2004, if appointed in a different post under the Government of India, will be governed by the CCS (Pension) Rules or NPS?

In cases where Government servants apply for posts in the same or other departments and on selection they are asked to render technical resignation, the past services are counted towards pension under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972. Since the Government servant had originally joined government service prior to 1-1-2004, he should be covered under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972.

40. Will I get a tax deduction for the investment?

Yes, under Section 80CCD of the Income Tax Act investments of up to Rs 1 lakh in the NPS can be claimed as tax deductions. Readers should remember that this Rs 1 lakh limit is not over and above the Rs 1 lakh limit available under Section 80C. In fact, the combined limit of investments made under Section 80C, 80CCD and section 80CCC (for investments made into pension plans of insurance companies) is Rs 1 lakh.

Source Link: http://www.gconnect.in/ask-gc/new-pension-system-nps-faq.html