Da january 2013
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Conversion of KVs into Residential Schools
There is no proposal under consideration of this Ministry to convert the Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) of the country into residential vidyalayas.
The KVs are opened mainly to cater to the educational needs of the wards of transferable Central Government Employees, including Defence personnel, by providing a common programme of education. Since the KVs are opened at locations where such employees are posted, there does not appear to be any need to open residential KVs.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Shashi Tharoor in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Source:pib
Direct Transfer of Cash for Subsidies
The process for implementing the direct transfer of cash subsidy on PDS Kerosene has been initiated in 11 identified states/UTs. The Department of Food and Public Distribution proposes to implement direct transfer of food subsidy to the Targeted Public Distribution System beneficiaries in 6 Union Territories on a pilot basis. With regard to fertilizers, the Government has not asked the State Governments to prepare for direct transfer of cash for fertilizer subsidy to the poor through banks by 01.01.2013.
The concerned Central Ministries have set up Implementation Committees on Direct Cash Transfer for sorting out the issues of hassle free transfer of cash to the beneficiaries with due consultation with State Governments.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib
Promotion of Research
The National Curriculum Framework – 2005 brought out by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) focuses on inquiry based constructivist pedagogy. This document empowers teachers to create situations, where children may enquire, discover, investigate, research and construct their knowledge.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) advocates pedagogical practices which allow children to respond to a situation in a non-traditional way encouraging their spirit of experimentation. The Schools are also expected to assign multidisciplinary projects to groups of students to be done during school hours to promote the spirit of enquiry and investigation.
The University Grant Commission (UGC) is implementing the following schemes to promote research in the higher educational institutions: - (i) Universities with Potential for Excellence (UPE) (ii) Centre with Potential for Excellence in Particular Area (CPEPA) (iii) College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) (iv) Major Research Projects/Minor Research Project (MRP) (v) Special Assistance Programme (SAP) (vi) Basic Scientific Research (BSR) and (vii) Research Fellowships.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Shashi Tharoor in Lok Sabha today.
Source;pib
Amount and age limit of Widow Pension enhanced
The Centre has informed that assistance under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) has been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 300 per month from 1st of October this year. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Lal Chand Kataria said, the upper age limit has also been revised to 79 years from the existing 59 years and hence IGNWPS now is applicable for widow in the age group of 40-79 years and belonging to household living below poverty line as per the criteria prescribed by the Government of India. He said, the amount of Central assistance under pension schemes are revised from time to time depending upon availability of resources. Shri Kataria said that States have been recommended to contribute at least an equal amount from their own resources.
Source:pib
Deaths During Clinical Trials
Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 contains enabling provisions for regulating and ensuring quality, safety and efficacy of drugs. The Act, therefore, contains inherent enabling powers for regulating the clinical trials. Accordingly, under the inherent plenary powers vested in the Act, necessary rules, procedures and guidelines have been framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Regulatory provisions for clinical trials in the country are prescribed under Rule-122DA, 122DAA, 122E and Schedule-Y to the Drug and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The said Rules also provide specific Application Form and relevant documents required for seeking permission to conduct clinical trials in India. Schedule Y also mandates the clinical trial to be conducted as per Good Clinical Practices (GCP) Guidelines issued by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Clinical trials can be initiated only after the approval of CDSCO and respective Ethics Committee. In all trials, a freely given informed written consent is required to be obtained from the persons participating in the study trial. The Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) of deaths may occur during clinical trials due to various reasons. These deaths could be due to life-threatening diseases like cancer, cardio-vascular conditions like congestive heart failure / stroke and other serious diseases. They could also be due to the side-effects of the drugs or their administration to critically or terminally ill patients. Such deaths are investigated to arrive at the causal relationship, if any. As per available data, the number of Serious Adverse Events of deaths in clinical trials reported during 2011 were 438. But SAEs of death due to clinical trials were 16.
Out of 438 deaths approximately 55% are in clinical trials conducted by foreign Pharmaceutical companies and rest are in clinical trials conducted by Clinical Research Organizations (CROs), domestic pharma Companies etc.
The following concrete steps have been taken to strengthen the approval procedures, monitoring mechanism for clinical trials as well to ensure that safety, rights and well-being of clinical trial subjects are protected:
(1) 12 New Drug Advisory Committees (NDAC) consisting of leading experts from the government medical colleges, institutes from all over the country have been constituted to advise CDSCO in matters related to approval of clinical trials and new drugs.
(2) Applications of Investigational New Drugs (IND) ; i.e, New Drug Substances which have never earlier been used in human beings, are evaluated by the IND committee, chaired by the Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research.
(3) Registration of clinical trial in ICMR registry at www.ctri.in has been made mandatory since 15.6.2009.
(4) Every approval / permission for conducting clinical trials now includes a condition that in case of study related injury or death, applicant will provide complete medical care as well as compensation for the injury or death and statement to this effect would be incorporated in the informed consent form.
(5) Guidelines for conducting inspection of Clinical Trial sites and sponsor /Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) have been prepared and posted on CDSCO website.
(6) Draft rules have been notified to provide for the following:
(i) Medical treatment and financial compensation to the trial subjects in case of trial related injury or death;
(ii) Procedure for payment of financial compensation;
(iii) Enhancement of responsibilities of Ethics Committee (EC), Sponsor & Investigator to ensure that financial compensation as well as medical care is provided to the trial subjects who suffer trial related injury or deaths and such information is provided to the Drugs Controller General (India) [DCG(I)].
(iv) Amendment of the format for obtaining informed consent of trial subjects to include the details of address, occupation, annual income of the subject so as to have information regarding socio-economic status of the trial subjects.
(7) Draft rules have been notified to incorporate Rules to have authority for clinical trials inspections by CDSCO and to take administrative actions like restriction on investigators/ sponsors / CROs from conducting future clinical trials in case of non-compliance.
(8) Draft rules have been notified to incorporate Rules and Schedule Y-1 specifying requirements and guidelines for registration of Ethics Committee.
This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib
BN/HB/AS
EWS Quota in Schools
All Army Schools are being run by the local military authority as a welfare measure for educating children of Army personnel. These Schools do not distinguish between wards of Army personnel on the basis of parental status.
A case for exemption of Army Schools from the ambit of Right to Education Act has been received from Army HQ and the same is under consideration of the Government.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to ShriDharmendraYadav and others in Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
Medical Entrance Test
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to various Under Graduate (UG) and Post Graduate (PG) medical courses is mandatory in respect of medical colleges falling under the ambit of Medical Council of India (MCI) as per amendments made in MCI’s regulations which are binding in nature.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has been identified as the agency for conducting NEET for UG and National Board of Examinations (NBE) for PG medical courses.
NBE is conducting NEET-PG during 23.11.2012 to 06.12.2012 on-line at 33 cities across the country while CBSE will conduct NEET-UG on 05.05.2013 in paper pencil mode at 83 cities in India and 2 cities abroad as multiple choice questions based tests. NEET-UG is also being conducted in six regional languages, viz. Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu and Assamese in addition to Hindi and English.
This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
Aadhar card doesn't have date of birth
NAGPUR: The unique identification number (UID), renamed as Aadhar, was supposed to be one of the documents to eliminate submission of multiple papers for identification but due to absence of date of birth on Aadhar, people may find it difficult to access government and non-government services assuming it to be a sole document.
Aadhar is an initiative of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIAI) of the government to create a unique ID for every Indian resident but people are being asked for additional documents as age proof.
The government has assured that Aadhar will help individual to access services like banking, mobile phone connections and other services.
"All assurances gave an impression that by using Aadhar card one will not need to carry multiple documents for availing service benefits and limitations of other cards issued earlier will be done away with. But it is not true," says Avinash Prabhune, a consumer rights activist.
Prabhune says Aadhar cards do not mention date of birth although documentary evidence was submitted at the time of enrolment. The cards indicate only year of birth, therefore this card is not helping as age proof in banks and other places.
However, Aadhar is acceptable by the railways and MSRTC. Central Railway public relations officer (PRO) P D Patil said Aadhar card is acceptable for providing concession in fares to senior citizens.
"Even MSRTC is accepting Aadhar as a document to provide concession in fare. We calculate the age based on the year mentioned on the card," an ST official said.
However, even if railways and MSRTC accept Aadhar, banks have been demanding additional documents. "As per the RBI guidelines we have been introducing the central banking system ( CBS) which needs other documents too. A new account cannot be opened only on the basis of Aadhar. We demand pan card as age proof," said branch manager of a nationalized bank, seeking anonymity.
Till now more than Rs 2,000 crores have been spent on the UID scheme and 23 crore residents have been enrolled so far but none of these cards bear the date of birth.
"Recording birth date on Aadhar card could sort out problems. I strongly support the scheme as after its integration with other systems, it may be possible that UID data will be shared but till that time multiple papers will be required for vital transactions," says Vinayak Prabhune, a retired government official.
Prabhune wrote to UIAI officials twice to mention the date of birth on Aadhar cards but they did not reply. He says as a large population does not known their date of birth, only year is recorded but it should be mentioned on the cards of those who know their date of birth.
Source:TOI
Measures Taken for Care of Senior Citizens
The Central Government has enacted the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 in December, 2007 which, inter-alia, makes maintenance of parents/ senior citizens by children/ relatives obligatory and justiciable through Tribunals; provides for revocation of transfer of property by senior citizens in case of negligence by children/ relatives; penal provisions for abandonment of senior citizens; medical facilities for senior citizens; and protection of life and property of senior citizens. The Act is required to be brought into force by individual State Governments. The Government of NCT of Delhi has already brought the Act into force and taken all necessary measures for its effective implementation.
The Government of India has also announced the National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) in January 1999 which envisages State`s support to ensure financial and food security, healthcare, shelter and other needs of older persons to improve the quality of their lives. In congruence with the NPOP, 1999, the Government of NCT of Delhi has also formulated its own Policy for Senior Citizens to address the concerns of senior citizens.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing a Central Sector Scheme of Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) under which financial assistance is provided to State Governments, Panchayati Raj Institutions/ Urban Local Bodies and Non-Government Organisations, etc. for running and maintaining of old age homes, day care centres, mobile medicare units, etc.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely, “National Programme for Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE)” to improve health services for the elderly. The programme has been taken up in 100 selected districts of 21 States and 8 Regional Geriatric Institutes across the country on cost sharing basis with the participating States at the ratio of 80:20 (excluding the expenditure on 8 regional Medical Institutes).
The Ministry of Rural Development is administering the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under which Central assistance is given towards pension @ Rs.200/ per month to persons above 60 years and @ Rs.500/- per month to persons above 80 years belonging to a household below poverty line, which is expected to be supplemented by at least an equal contribution by the States. The amount of pension including Central assistance and Government of NCT of Delhi contribution under the Scheme is Rs.1000/- per month to beneficiaries between 60-69 years of age and @ Rs.1500/- per month to beneficiaries aged 70 years and above. The Government of NCT of Delhi also provides additional assistance of Rs.500/- per month to senior citizens belonging to SC/ST/Minority communities. The assistance is remitted quarterly to their bank account through ECS.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory to State Governments in March 2008 to ensure that life and property of senior citizens is fully protected.
Besides, various facilities and benefits such as income tax concession, air and rail fare concession, etc. are also provided to senior citizens by the Central Government.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has informed that a proposal in this regard has been received and accordingly, the Government of NCT of Delhi has been requested to examine the proposal for issue of necessary instructions to the concerned Departments of NCT of Delhi.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri P. Balram Naik in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib
Service Tax on AC Classes/First Class from tomorrow i.e. 1st October, 2012
Levy of Service Tax on Railway Passengers Travelling in AC Classes/First Class from tomorrow i.e. 1st October 2012
No Service Tax to be Levied on Tickets Issued Prior to 1st October 2012
In Case of Cancellation of Tickets Issued on or after 1st October 2012, the Applicable Amount Including Service Tax to be Refunded by Railways
In compliance of the provisions contained in Finance Bill 2012 and subsequent notifications issued by Ministry of Finance, the Service Tax in case of railway travel will be levied on the fare of passenger services in the following classes from tomorrow i.e. 1st October 2012:-
(i) AC First Class, (ii) Executive Class, (iii) AC-2 tier Class, (iv) AC-3 tier class, (v) AC Chair Car class, (vi) AC Economy class and (vii) First Class.
Since an abatement of 70% has been permitted on passenger services by Ministry of Finance, the Service Tax will be charged on 30% of total fare including reservation charge, development charge, superfast surcharge which would be calculated as follows:-
1. Service Tax of 12% will be charged on 30% of fare (equivalent to 3.6% on the total fare)
2. Education Cess of 2% on Service Tax will be added (equivalent to 0.072% on total fare) and
3. Higher Education Cess of 1% on Service Tax will also be added (equivalent to 0.036% on total fare)
4. Total Service Tax implication will be (i)+(ii)+(iii)=3.708% on the total fare.
On Concessional value tickets, service charge will be levied @ 3.708% of the total fare actually being paid by the passengers.
Through a subsequent corrigendum issued by M/o Railways, it has been clarified that the Service Tax would be collected on the tickets issued/bookings made on or after 01.10.2012. Service Tax is not livable on tickets issued prior to 01.10.2012 and hence will not be collected on board the trains.
In case of cancellation of tickets booked by the passengers on or after 01.10.2012, the applicable amount including refundable Service Tax amount will be refunded by Railways as per Railway refund rules and Finance Ministry guidelines.
The amount of Service Tax collected from passengers will be deposited with the Ministry of Finance as per prescribed procedure. Finance Departments of Zonal Railways have been instructed for proper accountal and remittance of Service Tax amount to the Government.
Source:PIB
CAT denies MoD's bid to recover extra wages paid to drivers
The Central Administrative Tribunal has quashed an order of Defence Ministry (MoD) to recover excess pay given to two truck drivers due to a "wrong interpretation" of a circular restructuring wages of the cadre of the artisan staff in the defence establishment.
Under the 2003 restructuring, pay scales of three categories of defence artisan staff i.e. Skilled, highly skilled and master craftsman were fixed. In the lowest grade (skilled), a pay scale of Rs 3,050-4,590 was prescribed.
Members of the tribunal Dharam Paul Sharma and Veena Chhotray in their order on the plea of two Central Ordinance Depot truck drivers Ram Niwas and Bablu Ram quashed the ministry's order for recovering the excess amount paid to the drivers but upheld its decision to put them into a lower pay scale.
The duo were being paid revised wages under skilled category with effect from May 1999 (Ram Niwas) and February 1997 (Bablu Ram) after the 2003 circular, but authorities later downgraded them to "semi-skilled" category under a previous order and sought recovery of excess wages, blaming "wrong interpretation" of the circular for the fiasco.
The truck drivers, however, contented that they come under the category of the skilled staff and had sought directions that they be paid the salary applicable to this category.
The ministry, on the other hand, argued that as per a 1983 circular "truck drivers" as a job group had been put in the category of semi-skilled workers and the duo are therefore not entitled to the higher pay scale as per the 2003 circular.
"We do not find the claim of the truck drivers about their entitlement to the higher pay scale of Rs 3,050-4,590 prescribed for the skilled category posts as per 2003 Circular as a valid one and hence the ministry would be very much within its right to correct the mistake...
"However, since the erroneous pay fixation in this case had admittedly be done due to wrong interpretation of the circular on the part of the ministry itself, without any misrepresentation or fraud on the part of the truck drivers, the recovery of amount already paid would not be permitted," the judge said.
Source : http://www.business-standard.com
DA from July-2012: Cabinet approved hike by 7% to 72%
DA for Central Government Employees
The Union Cabinet today approved to release additional installment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners with effect from 01.07.2012, representing an increase of 7 per cent over the existing rate of 65 per cent 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.7408.24 crore per annum and Rs. 4938.78 crore in the financial year 2012-2013 i.e. for a period of 8 months from July, 2012 to February, 2013.
Source:PIB
Air India to Pay Salaries for the Months of July and August 2012;
Civil Aviation Minister Asks the Airline to Make Up-To-Date Payments to Employees
Air India will pay salaries to all its employees for the month of July 2012 by the 27th of September, 2012. The salaries for the non-licensed category of employees for the month of August 2012 will also be paid by the 29th September, 2012. In addition, the Airline will pay the PLI for the licensed category of employees for the month of May 2012. This will entail an overall expenditure of Rs. 230 Crore.
Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ajit Singh who is keeping a close watch on the situation has asked Air India to make up-to-date payment of all dues to its employees. He has given strict instructions to the Airline in this regard. On its part, Air India is making all efforts to clear dues of all of its employees with its improved revenue generation.
Source:pib
Medical Council of India approves 3-and-a-half-year medical course
The Medical Council of India (MCI) has finally cleared introduction of the three-and-a-half-year long medical course. Calling it BSc in Community Health, it will be open to anybody after class 12.
Speaking to TOI, MCI board chairman Dr K K Talwar said this special cadre of health workers will be trained mainly in district hospitals, be placed in sub-centres or primary health centres and will be taught "some module of clinical work".
This means this cadre can actually diagnose and treat basic medical cases, get involved in immunization programmes and administer extended first aid.
"We intend to introduce the course from April next year. This cadre will also refer patients according to their condition to other centres. We have also prepared the syllabus of the course. The ministry will now take the final call," Dr Talwar said.
Health secretary P K Pradhan has called a high level meeting on Tuesday to finalize the proposal.
The Planning Commission's high level expert group has strongly backed the all new health cadre and said that as a career progression incentive, they should be promoted to the level of public health officers after 10 years of service.
The health ministry has been strongly pushing for the introduction of this cadre, in order to tackle the menace of doctors unwilling to serve in rural areas. Only 26% of doctors in India reside in rural areas, serving 72% of India's population. The urban density of doctors is nearly four times that of rural areas, and that of nurses is three times higher.
Things have taken a turn for the worse in the past few decades with the disappearance of certain cadres — village health guides and traditional birth attendants, first instituted in 1986. Experts said the selection of students would be based on merit in the Class 12 examination with physics, chemistry and biology as subjects.
Health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had earlier said that he wanted an MCI stamp on the degree so that it was universally recognized. "The syllabus of the course is also ready and is need-based. If MCI endorses it, students will get the confidence that the degree has a standing," he had said.
The panel, however, was clear that the course was not a mini-MBBS but rather a unique training programme aimed at the basic health care needs of its target population.
Source:TOI
Retirement age of Eastern Region Company employees will be 60 years.
Retirement age of Eastern Region Company employees will be 60 years. Decision taken at 56th meeting of Board of Directors
Several important decisions were taken at the 56th meeting of Madhya Pradesh Eastern Region Power Distribution Company’s Board of Directors at Jabalpur today. At the meeting, decision was taken to increase retirement age of employees from 58 to 60 years. Resolutions passed at the meeting will be put forth before the cabinet through the department.
The meeting also gave in-principle consent to proposal of starting new incentive scheme for employees who perform outstandingly in feeder separation, R-APDRP and revenue collection sectors. Decisions were also taken on fill up posts of law officer and legal assistant through departmental employees, constitution of 24 more flying squads in addition to existing ones, availing services of ex-servicemen for vigilance work and establishment of company’s 53 distribution division at Amarpatan tahsil headquarters in Satna district.
At the meeting, progress during the last quarter was reviewed and information about action taken on decisions taken at the last meeting was given. Besides presentation of audit committee report, the Board of Directors also accorded sanction to accounts of the year 2011-12.
Meeting of Board of Directors was attended by members including Rewa commissioner Shri Pradeep Khare, Eastern Region Power Distribution Company Managing Director Shri Sukhveer Singh, Dean IIT Roorkee Shri Hariom Gupta and Deputy Secretary Finance Shri Milind Waikar.
Source:http://www.mpinfo.org/mpinfonew/newsdetails.aspx?newsid=120912N30&flag1=1
Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy – Clarification.
RBE No.93/2012
PC-VI No.298/2012
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
No.E(W)2008/ED-24New Delhi, Dated: 31/08/2012
The General Manager (P),
All Indian Railways & PUs..
Sub : Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy – Clarification.
Please refer to Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 01.10.2008 followed by subsequent letters regarding revised policy instructions / clarifications on Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy admissible to Railway Servants, based on the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission.
2. Further clarifications in the matter of reimbursement of Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy, have been issued by Department of Personnel & Training, the nodal Department, vide their OMs No.12011/07/2011-Estt.(AL) dated 23-05-2012 and 31-05-2012. The O.M. dated 23-05-2012 provides for reimbursement of fee charged by the school for teaching through audio-visual tools being covered under provision 1(e) of DOP&T O.M. dated 02-09-2008, circulated under Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 01-10-2008.
3. Department of Personnel & Training’s O.M. dated 31-05-2012 introduces the concept of distance between the residence and the hostel for reimbursement of Hostel Subsidy subject to fulfilling other conditions as laid down in their OMs dated 02-09-2008 and subsequent instructions thereon. It also provides for reimbursement of Children Education Allowance/Hostel Subsidy for the initial two year Diploma/Certificate Course from Polytechnic / ITl / Engineering College after Class X.
4. Above mentioned two OMs dated 23-05-2012 and 31-05-2012 of DOP&T are circulated as Annexure I & Annexure II for guidance of all concerned.
Please acknowledge receipt.
sd/-
(Debasis Mazumdar)
Director Estt.(Welfare)
Railway Board
Source:www.indianrailways.gov.in
RBE No.93/2012
PC-VI No.298/2012
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)
No.E(W)2008/ED-24
New Delhi, Dated: 31/08/2012
The General Manager (P),
All Indian Railways & PUs..
Sub : Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy – Clarification.
Please refer to Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 01.10.2008 followed by subsequent letters regarding revised policy instructions / clarifications on Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy admissible to Railway Servants, based on the recommendations of Sixth Central Pay Commission.
2. Further clarifications in the matter of reimbursement of Children Education Allowance / Hostel Subsidy, have been issued by Department of Personnel & Training, the nodal Department, vide their OMs No.12011/07/2011-Estt.(AL) dated 23-05-2012 and 31-05-2012. The O.M. dated 23-05-2012 provides for reimbursement of fee charged by the school for teaching through audio-visual tools being covered under provision 1(e) of DOP&T O.M. dated 02-09-2008, circulated under Railway Board’s letter of even number dated 01-10-2008.
3. Department of Personnel & Training’s O.M. dated 31-05-2012 introduces the concept of distance between the residence and the hostel for reimbursement of Hostel Subsidy subject to fulfilling other conditions as laid down in their OMs dated 02-09-2008 and subsequent instructions thereon. It also provides for reimbursement of Children Education Allowance/Hostel Subsidy for the initial two year Diploma/Certificate Course from Polytechnic / ITl / Engineering College after Class X.
4. Above mentioned two OMs dated 23-05-2012 and 31-05-2012 of DOP&T are circulated as Annexure I & Annexure II for guidance of all concerned.
Please acknowledge receipt.
sd/-
(Debasis Mazumdar)
Director Estt.(Welfare)
Railway Board
Source : www.indianrailways.gov.in
Proof of Identity during Train Journey
With a view to reduce chances of misuse of reservation system by unscrupulous elements, it has been prescribed that passengers have to produce original proof of identity during the journey in the following cases:
1. For e-tickets, any one of the passengers booked on the ticket has to produce any one of the prescribed proofs of identity in original.
2. For Tatkal tickets, the original proof of identity as indicated on the ticket.
3. For journey in Air-conditioned classes, any one of the passengers booked on the ticket has to produce any one of the prescribed proofs of identity in original.
For other than Tatkal and e-tickets, no instructions regarding production of proof of identity while travelling in non Air-conditioned classes have been issued, so far.
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.
Source:pib
Adverse Effects of Computer use on Children’s Vision
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the nodal agency of the Government of India in the field of medical research, is not aware of any specific report on adverse effect of computer use on children’s vision in India. No specific study has been made by the Indian Council of Medical Research in this regard.
However, according to certain reports published in United States of America, studies have found that majority of the computer workers experience some eye or vision symptoms. It is unclear whether these problems occur to a greater extent in computer workers than in workers in the other highly visually demanding occupations. According to the American Optometric Association, a national survey of doctors of optometry found that more than 14% of their patients present with eye or vision-related symptoms resulting from computer work. Most common symptoms are eye strain, headaches, blurred vision and neck or shoulder pain.
No data is maintained in ICMR or Department of Health Research regarding estimated number of children having eye related problem due to excess use of computers and mobile games.
The above information was given by the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in the Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
Reservation of Seats in Medical Colleges
Reservation in undergraduate seats in medical colleges for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) varies from State to State as per the norms and rules prescribed by the respective State Governments. However, the following reservation quota is prescribed for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses under the All India Quota and central Government institutions:
i. Scheduled Castes – 15%
ii. Scheduled Tribes – 7.5%
iii. Other Backward Classes – 27% ( only in central Government Institutions/Universities)
Further, the regulations of Medical Council of India’s (MCI) provides that for both PG and UG, 3% seats of the annual sanctioned intake capacity shall be filled up by candidates with locomotors disability of lower limbs between 50% to 70% and in case the quota remains unfilled on account of unavailability of such candidates then such unfilled seats shall be filled by candidates with locomotors disability of lower limbs between 40% to 50%. These regulations are mandatory in nature and therefore applicable for every medical colleges under the ambit of MCI and also for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses under the All India Quota.
The above information was given by the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
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i. Scheduled Castes – 15%
ii. Scheduled Tribes – 7.5%
iii. Other Backward Classes – 27% ( only in central Government Institutions/Universities)
Further, the regulations of Medical Council of India’s (MCI) provides that for both PG and UG, 3% seats of the annual sanctioned intake capacity shall be filled up by candidates with locomotors disability of lower limbs between 50% to 70% and in case the quota remains unfilled on account of unavailability of such candidates then such unfilled seats shall be filled by candidates with locomotors disability of lower limbs between 40% to 50%. These regulations are mandatory in nature and therefore applicable for every medical colleges under the ambit of MCI and also for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses under the All India Quota.
The above information was given by the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
Streamlining Functioning of EPF Offices
| Every Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) office in the country is equipped with Facilitation Centre to redress all kinds of grievances of the employees. Further, there is centrally web based grievance registration facility available under Employees’ Provident Fund Internet Grievance Monitoring System (EPFIGMS) to facilitate grievances of individual employee through internet. Besides, LokAdalats are conducted by each EPF office every month to redress grievances of the employees. The facility for checking EPF accounts is available on Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) website http://www.epfindia.gov.in in following ways:- (i) The updated balance in EPF account can be obtained by an EPFO member through SMS by furnishing his PF Account number and Mobile number by using “Know your EPF Balance” facility in EPFO website. (ii) Since April 2012, there is a facility for the employers to download the annual accounts slips for their employees from the accounting year 2010-2011 onwards. (iii) With effect from August 2012, there is a facility for members to get their e-pass book containing detailed statement of accounts on-line by using the “Member Portal” available on EPFO website. The EPFO website http://www.epfindia.gov.in is hosted in National Informatics Centre (NIC) server and is functional except only when NIC server is under routine maintenance. The Union Labour & Employment Minister Shri Mallikarjun Kharge gave this information in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today. Source:pib |
Transparency in Procurement Procedure by CSD
Two officers of Canteen Stores Department (CSD) viz. Shri Bikash Ranjan Daschaudhary, JGM-II and Brig Anuj Kainthla, JGM-I were arrested by CBI, ACB Mumbai for accepting illegal gratification.
The extant system of procurement of CSD is transparent, however, bringing more transparency and efficiency in the system is a continuous process. CSD has been advised to use information technology for hosting status of sale, stock and order details of all suppliers on CSD website. They have also been advised to adopt e-governance expeditiously.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Kanwar Deep Singh and Shri N. K. Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib
Tirupati Tirumala – Parakamani Seva for Govt Employees
- Parakamani is an activity where counting and accounting of offerings made by pilgrims through Srivari Hundi viz. coins, currencies, precious items, jewellary etc. done on a day-to-day basis.
- Interested Pilgrims / Devotees should register online for Parakamani Seva, who will be here-by addressed as “Parakamani Sevakulu”.
- Only Male devotees are eligible to apply for Parakamani Seva inview of constraints on survaillance
- Parakamani Sevakulu should be in the age group of 35 years to 65 years.
- Parakamani Sevakulu should be from Hindu Religion only.
- Parakamani Sevakulu should be healthy i.e., physically strong, mentally fit, free from arthritis, back pains, asthma, as they have to perform the Seva by squatting / sitting on the floor for longer sessions.
- Parakamani Sevakulu should be either working or retired employee of Central / State Government or Quasi Government or PSU or Scheduled Banks or from Insurance Companies.
- Parakamani Seva is voluntary Seva. Hence, no payments will be made by TTD in any form.
- Parakamani Sevakulu should not have been involved in any Departmental Disciplinary / Criminal proceedings.
- Parakamani Sevakulu are requested not to Carry / Consume prohibited articles under section 114 of AP Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions & Endowment act, 1987.
- Devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are alone eligible to register at present for Parakamani Seva.
- Parakamani Sevakulu may opt for either 3 days slot or 4 days slot.
- Parakamani seva for 3-day slot will commence on Friday and conclude on Sunday. They should report for enrollment on Thursday before 02.00 PM at Srivari Seva Sadan(inside APS RTC Bus stand), Tirumala.
- Parakamani seva for 4-day slot will commence on Monday and conclude on Thursday. They should report for enrollment on Sunday before 02.00 PM at Srivari Seva Sadan(inside APS RTC Bus stand), Tirumala.
- Parakamani Sevakulu should also bring a passport size photo along with original and xerox copy of their In-Service or Pensioner ID Card while reporting at Srivari Seva Sadan Office which is mandatory.
- Recent passport size photo(less than 100 kb) and valid Identity Card either Service or Pension card issued by their Employers / Employing Organizations only should be uploaded during online registration.
- Temporary Identity cards will be issued to the Parakamani Sevakulu at the time of reporting for parakamani seva by the TTD Vigilance & Security wing and same should be returned to the on duty Vigilance & Security personnel at the end of each session.
- Darshan of Lord Venkateswara will be provided on the last day of slot.
- If any Parakamani Sevakulu found violating Parakamani proceedings, appropriate action will be initiated.
- Each Parakamani Sevakulu will be provided with three laddus at subsidized rate of Rs.10/- each on the last day of the slot.
- Parakamani sevakulu are requested to mention their contact numbers (both land line and mobile numbers) of their relations whom they wish to be informed in case of emergency while performing seva at Tirumala.
- TTD reserves right to accept or reject Parakamani Sevakaulu from performing the seva.
While entering Parakamani for doing Seva :
- Parakamani Sevakulu should wear traditional dress i.e, white Dothi only at the time of reporting for Parakamani seva.
- Parakamani sevakulu should not wear/carry any Mobiles, cash, gold, silver, other precious / semi precious stones, watches, rings, bracelets and any other valuables at the time of reporting for Parakamani Seva. If any item is found in their possession during the Parakamani Seva, they will be confiscated as per TTD rules and regulations.
CODE OF CONDUCT
- Parakamani Sevakulu are expected to maintain high standards of honesty, integrity, confidentiality, impartiality, and good conduct in the course of, or in relation to, their Seva.
- Parakamani Sevakulu are expected to be courteous, considerate, and prompt while reporting for Seva.
- Parakamani Sevakulu must comply with all applicable rules and regulations issued by the TTD.
- Parakamani Sevakulu must comply with any lawful regulations, orders, policies, and appropriate requests issued by the On-duty supervisor or other TTD officials having jurisdiction over the Seva involved.
- In the course of, or in relation to their Seva, Parakamani Sevakulu shall adhere to the policy of the TTD that there shall be no discrimination while performing the seva based on factors of caste, cadre, age, and similar matters not related to performance of duty in their respective organisations.
- Parakamani Sevakulu should consult with the on-duty supervisors on general questions as they may have regarding the applicability of various regulations, which may pertain to their seva.
- Parakamani Sevakulu shall be held accountable for TTD property and monies entrusted to them in connection with their seva.
- Parakamani Sevakulu shall not harass / argue / fight with other sevakulu, TTD Employees, or Pilgrim Witnesses.
- Parakamani Sevakulu shall not participate in gambling or any other form involving playing of cards while staying at TTD provided accommodation at Tirumala.
- Parakamani Sevakulu are prohibited from carrying / consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs or Tobacco or meat foods while at Tirumala, as described in the Section 114 of CHRIE ACT 1987.
- Parakamani Sevakulu who violates the above act will be subjected to legal action as per the provisions of Law.
- Parakamani Sevakulu are here – by informed / warned that professing / propaganding any other religion other than Hinduism is prohibited under G.O.Ms 746 & 747 both dt 2-6-2007. Any sevakulu are found violating this act, appropriate legal action will be taken against them.
- Source:TTD
Admission in Ayurveda Colleges
As detailed in the Annexure, Ayurveda colleges have been denied permission to take admission during the academic session 2012-13 because of not meeting the approved parameters of required number of teachers including Higher Faculties, at least one teacher in each Department and hospital requirements namely required number of beds, Out Patients Department (OPD) attendance and In Patients Department (IPD) bed occupancy of patients.
As a result of steps taken by the Government including training of visitors, hearing committee etc. out of 261 Ayurveda colleges in the country, till 22.08.2012, 161 colleges have been permitted for taking admission of students and 80 colleges have been denied permission. Thus the processing of more than 90% cases of existing Ayurveda Colleges for 2012-13 academic session has been completed by 22nd August, 2012 (Annexure).
Government does not propose to deploy AYUSH doctors in rural and remote areas by imparting them one year training in allopathic system of medicine.
However, mainstreaming of AYUSH strategy under NRHM envisaged deployment of AYUSH doctors at co-located facilities of Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) including these centers located in the rural and remote areas.
The above information was given by the Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Shri S. Gandhiselvan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
Corruption Cases Against Top Officials
As per the information provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), it has registered 97 cases [71 Regular Cases (RCs) and 26 Preliminary Enquiries (PEs)] involving 129 officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above during the last 3 years i.e. 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 (upto 31.7.2012). 15 officers are involved in more than one case.
As on 31.07.2012, out of the aforesaid 71 RCs, Chargesheets have been filed in 30 cases against 31 officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above.
As on 31.7.2012 sanctions for prosecution are pending in 14 CBI cases with respective Central Ministries/Departments against 14 officers of the rank of Joint Secretary & above. 02 officers are common in 02 cases each.
Further, permission under section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, for conducting enquiry/investigation, are pending in respect of 23 officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above.
The Supreme Court of India, vide its judgment dated 18th December, 1997 in the case of Vineet Narain Vs. Union of India, directed that “time limit of three months for grant of sanction for prosecution must be strictly adhered to. However, additional time of one month may be allowed where consultation is required with the Attorney General (AG) or any Law Officer in the AG’s office”.
It is sometime not possible to adhere to this time-limit. The delay which occurs in the sanctioning of prosecution is mostly on account of detailed scrutiny and analysis of voluminous case records and evidence, consultation with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), State Governments and other agencies, and sometimes non-availability of relevant documentary evidence.
However, in order to check delays in grant of sanction for prosecution, the Department of Personnel & Training has issued guidelines vide its OM No.399/33/2006-AVD-III dated 6th November, 2006 followed by another OM dated 20th December, 2006, providing for a definite time frame at each stage for handling of requests from CBI for prosecution of public servants.
The Group of Ministers on tackling corruption, in its First Report, had also given certain recommendations for speedy disposal of sanction of prosecution cases, which included-taking decision on such cases within 3 months; monitoring of such cases at the level of Secretary of the Ministry/ Department and submission of report to the Cabinet Secretary; and in cases of refusal to accord sanction, submission of a report to the next higher authority within 7 days for information (where competent authority is Minister such report is to be submitted to the Prime Minister). The said recommendation of the GoM has been accepted by Government and instructions have been issued by the Government on 03.05.2012.
As regards permission under section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, the Group of Ministers on tackling corruption in its First Report has recommended that the competent authority shall decide the matter within three months with speaking orders and in the event a decision is taken to refuse permission the reasons thereof shall be submitted to the next higher authority within one week for information (where competent authority is Minister, such report is to be submitted to the Prime Minister). This recommendation was accepted by the Government and instructions issued on 26.09.2011.
This was stated by Shri V. Narayanasamy, Minister of State of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension and Prime Minister Office in written reply to a question by Sh. Shadi Lal Batra in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib
Mobile Number Portability
On cancellation of licenses, the subscribers can exercise choice to shift to other Telecom Operators under MNP Scheme or otherwise.
In order to facilitate the porting of the mobile number of subscribers of licensees whose licences have been quashed by Hon’ble Supreme Court, TRAI has issued “Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2012 (16 of 2012) dated 8th June 2012.
This amendment has been challenged by M/s Sistema Shyam Teleservices Limited and M/s Unitech in the TDSAT. The Hon’ble TDSAT, in its interim order dated 20th July, 2012 has ordered TRAI to restrain from giving effect to and /or further effect to the Regulations.
This was stated by Shri Milind Deora, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in response to a written question in Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
| Fast Tracking of Corruption Cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act |
| The Chief Justice of India had written in December, 2010 to the Chief Justices of High Courts to fast track corruption cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, so that they could be taken up on priority basis both at High Courts and Subordinate Courts. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Law & Justice, said that the Chief Justice of India has later conveyed on 08.11.2011 that 46,120 cases were pending disposal in the first two tiers of the judiciary as on 30.06.2011 and impressed upon them for expeditious disposal of corruption cases. He has inter-alia suggested formation of Special Benches in High Courts for effective and efficient disposal of these cases. At the district level, he has recommended fixation of disposal target and assignment of cases to more than one session judges besides the higher disposal credit to be given for such cases. Shri Khurshid said that the disposal of pending cases in courts is within the domain of judiciary. Government has taken various steps to set up Special Courts to dispose of corruption cases. In addition to the 56 courts already functioning for CBI cases in the country, the Government has decided to set up 71 Additional Special CBI Courts. Of these, 62 CBI Courts have started functioning. Besides, the Government has also introduced a number of legislations in Parliament in recent times for strengthing the anti-corruption mechanism, such as: (i) the Lokpal and lokayuktas Bill, 2011; (ii) the Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2011; (iii) the Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials of Public International Organisations Bill, 2011; (iv) the Right of Citizen for Time Bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of the Grievances Bill, 2011. Source:pib |
7% D.A. for Himachal employees, other benefits
Chief Minister announced release of 7 percent Dearness Allowance to the State Employees and Pensioners in the State due from January, 2012. This will put an additional burden of Rs. 350 crore on State exchequer.
He announced hike in daily wages of the daily wagers from Rs. 130 to Rs. 150 from September 1, 2012 which would provide the additional annual benefit of Rs. 7,320 to each daily wager. He announced increase in the daily allowance of Home Guard volunteers from Rs. 200 to Rs. 225 to be effective from September 1, 2012. He said that one more Home Guard Battalion would be raised to generate employment to 600 youth.
Chief Minister announced that all constables completing 20 years of services will be designated as Honorary Head Constable; Firemen as Honorary Chief Fireman; Jail Warden as Honorary Chief Warden. He announced enhancement in Social Security Pension from Rs. 400 to Rs. 450 per month to be effective from 1st September, 2012, which would benefit about 3 lakh
BY Courtesy : Mr Naresh Thakur
Courtesy;paycommision update
Scheme for Free Bicycles for Class IX Girl Students Belonging to Minority Communities
The Working Group constituted by the Planning Commission for 12th Five Year Plan has recommended for “ Scheme for free Bicycle for class IX girl students belonging to Minority Communities”. The scheme is under consideration of the Planning Commission for in principle approval. Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Shri Vincent H. Pala, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, said that Government has decided to continue the schemes for educational empowerment of the notified minority communities including girl students during the 12th Five Year Plan period. These include Pre-Matric Scholarship, Post-Matric Scholarship and Merit cum Means based Scholarship schemes and Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students. Under all these schemes, minimum of 30% scholarships have been earmarked for eligible girl students from minority communities. Maulana Azad Education Foundation also provides scholarships to meritorious minority girls. Under the Multi Sectoral Development Programme the Government has been providing financial assistance to the Minority Concentration Districts to construct girls’ hostels and provide additional class rooms.
Source:pib
Recruitment Irregularities
No rampant corruption in recruitment of lower level staff has come to notice of the Government. Whenever any irregularity comes to the notice of the Government, appropriate action is initiated expeditiously.
Recently, CBI has registered a case relating to alleged receipt of illegal gratification in the recruitment of staff of various Group `C` posts in the National Defence Academy (NDA). The case is under investigation by CBI.
Till 2011, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)disclosed the marks obtained by the candidates on their request. The marks obtained by the candidates will be made public from DRDO Entry Test-2012. Well established recruitment procedures are already in place for recruitment of lower level staff.
This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Prabodh Panda and others in Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
Bio-metric ID for ESIC Employees
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) issues two bio-metric Pehchan Cards under the IT Project ‘Panchdeep’ to the Insured Persons covered under the ESI Scheme. One card is for use of the Insured Person and another one for use by his family. The card has a unique ten-digit Insurance Number, name, date of birth, address and photograph of Insured Person and his family. The reverse side of the card contains a magnetic strip and ESI Corporation’s Hologram. The Insurance Number of the Insured Person is embedded in the magnetic strip.
The card contains only the Insured Person’s Number which is embedded in the magnetic strip. The remaining details are stored in the central database servers installed at the Data Centre in Rohini, Delhi and are updated from time to time. The Bio-metric card is used to access the central database containing all the data like family details, medical history of Insured Person and his family.
This information was given by Minister of Labour and Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge in reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source: pib
Attacks on RTI Activists
There have been reports in the media that some persons have been killed or attacked allegedly for exercising their right under the RTI Act, 2005.
Data is not centrally maintained. However, media has reported that Sh. Ramesh Agrawal, a green activist, who was exercising right to information, was shot at on 7th July, 2012 in Chhattisgarh.
The framework of existing laws such as Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code etc. is considered adequate to provide for safety and security to all citizens, including RTI activists. Further, RTI Activists and whistle blowers will also get protection under the “Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2011” passed by the Lok Sabha on 27.12.2011 and is presently in the Rajya Sabha.
Maintenance of law and order and providing safety and security for all citizens is primarily the subject matter of State Government concerned. Government of India has drawn the attention of State Governments to the reports appearing in the media about the victimization of people, who use RTI to expose corruption and irregularities in administration. The States have been requested that if any such instance comes to their notice, it should be promptly inquired into and action taken against the offenders.
This was stated by Sh. V. Narayanasamy, Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib
Read More...
Data is not centrally maintained. However, media has reported that Sh. Ramesh Agrawal, a green activist, who was exercising right to information, was shot at on 7th July, 2012 in Chhattisgarh.
The framework of existing laws such as Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code etc. is considered adequate to provide for safety and security to all citizens, including RTI activists. Further, RTI Activists and whistle blowers will also get protection under the “Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2011” passed by the Lok Sabha on 27.12.2011 and is presently in the Rajya Sabha.
Maintenance of law and order and providing safety and security for all citizens is primarily the subject matter of State Government concerned. Government of India has drawn the attention of State Governments to the reports appearing in the media about the victimization of people, who use RTI to expose corruption and irregularities in administration. The States have been requested that if any such instance comes to their notice, it should be promptly inquired into and action taken against the offenders.
This was stated by Sh. V. Narayanasamy, Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office in the Rajya Sabha today.
Source:pib
Increasing Cost of Internet Access
The cost of accessing Internet is not fixed by the Government. The tariff for internet services are governed by the Telecom Tariff Order(s) issued by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India from time to time.
However, the Government has decided to levy a uniform licence fee as 8% of “Adjusted Gross Revenue(AGR)” on all Internet Service Providers in phased manner, in two steps starting from 01.07.2012.
This decision for imposing Uniform Licence Fee for various Telecom Service Providers was taken in the interest of ending arbitrage in the licence fee, ensuring simplicity & transparency, expanding licence fee base and ensuring a level playing field between different services, with due consideration of the revenue receipts of the Government and the growth of Telecom services in the country.
This was stated by Shri Milind Deora, the minister of State in the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in response to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
Setting up of Educational Institutions
Education, being in the Concurrent List, creation of new institutions is the responsibility both of Central and State Governments. Central Government is creating new institutions, wherever required, depending on resources. Several programmes and schemes initiated by the Government have led to creation of fresh intake capacity in higher education. These include Scheme of Model Degree Colleges in 374 identified Educationally Backward Districts, 16 new Central Universities, 08 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), 07 Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), 10 National Institute of Technology (NITs) etc. Consequent to passing of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006, the Central Government has increased the intake capacity in all Central Educational Institutions (CEI) to an extent of 54%.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER) in higher education has increased from 12.4% in 2007-08 to 15% in 2009-10. The Government aims to achieve a GER of 30% in higher education by 2020.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. D. Purandeswari, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
Read More...
The Gross Enrolment Ratio(GER) in higher education has increased from 12.4% in 2007-08 to 15% in 2009-10. The Government aims to achieve a GER of 30% in higher education by 2020.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. D. Purandeswari, in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Source:pib
BIO-Metric ID for Industrial Workers by ESIC
| The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) issues two bio-metric Pehchan Cards under the IT Project ‘Panchdeep’ to the Insured Persons covered under the ESI Scheme. One card is for use of the Insured Person and another one for use by his family. The card has a unique ten-digit Insurance Number, name, date of birth, address and photograph of Insured Person and his family. The reverse side of the card contains a magnetic strip and ESI Corporation’s Hologram. The Insurance Number of the Insured Person is embedded in the magnetic strip. The card contains only the Insured Person’s Number which is embedded in the magnetic strip. The remaining details are stored in the central database servers installed at the Data Centre in Rohini, Delhi and are updated from time to time. The Bio-metric card is used to access the central database containing all the data like family details, medical history of Insured Person and his family. This information was given by Minister of Labour and Employment Shri Mallikarjun Kharge in reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha today. Source:pib |
Complimentary Railway Card Pass Facility Extended to ‘Civilian’ Recipients of ‘Chakra’ Awardees
The Ministry of Railways has decided that the civilian recipients of gallantry awards of Chakra series (namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra) will also be provided 1st /2nd Class AC Complimentary Card passes on the lines as admissible to Defence awardees. The procedure and other conditions for issue of such Card Passes to civilian Chakra awardees will remain the same as applicable to Defence awardees.
As per extant policy, Ministry of Railways provides 1st Class/2nd AC Complimentary Card passes to Defence personnel recipients of gallantry awards of Chakra series and to widows of posthumous gallantry awardees of Chakra series viz. Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra. The Card Pass entitles them life-long free rail travel in 1st Class/2nd AC Class along with one companion in same class over all India Railways except Metro Railway/Kolkata. From now on, this facility will now be available to both civilian and Defence personnel recipients of Chakra Awards.
Source:pib
ON LINE VERIFICATION OF CASTE CERTICATE FROM AUGUST
State minister for social justice Shivajirao Moghe on Monday announced that an online system to speed up verification and issuing of caste certificates will be started by the end of August this year. The certificate is required during admission for schools, colleges for reserved seats, elections and while availing government schemes.
Addressing a news conference here, Moghe said, "The application procedure for caste certificate and its verification is on the same lines as the passport issuing system. The social justice office will hire some people on contract basis to receive documents required for caste certificate, and to process and verify and issue the certificates."
Citizens, who need the caste certificates, will apply online and furnish scanned copies of the documents required to be submitted. If all the documents are in order, the certificate will be issued but if there are doubts, the person concerned would be asked to come to the designated office with original copies of the documents for further verification.
Every district has a caste certificate verification committee, which verifies the certificate on the basis of documents submitted after their authenticity. Moghe said, "The caste certificate verification process is time-consuming and we wish to reduce it and make the procedure error-free."
The social justice department has also decided to select needy people through draw of lots for disbursing loans offered by various development corporations constituted for backward classes. These people are economically underprivileged and have limited resources.
Moghe said the government provides financial assistance to those people who can start their own businesses. "But, the procedure for selection is affected by corruption and favouritism and genuine people usually do not get the benefits of government schemes. The draw of lots from the needy people will eliminate favoritism," he said.
Courtesy:TOI
Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme for the Central Government Civilian Employees — Clarification.
No.35034/10/2011-Estt.(D)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
Establishment (D)
North Block, New Delhi
Dated: l3th June, 2012.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme for the Central Government Civilian Employees — Clarification regarding grant of benefits of MACPS to officers who have later on inducted into Organized Group A Services.
In terms of clarification given on point of doubt no. 2 of Annexure of this Department’s O.M. dated 09.09.2010, no benefits under the MACPS would be applicable to Group A officers of Organised Group A Services, as the officer under organized Group ‘A’ Services have already been allowed parity of two years on non-functional basis with the officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). In this regard, this Department is in receipt of a number of references from various Departments in respect of officers who are deprived of the benefits of MACPS due to their induction into the organised Group A Services at a later stage of their service.
2. The issue has been considered by this Department in consultation with Department of Expenditure. It has been decided to allow grant of financial up-gradations under MACPS with effect from the due date to those officers who are inducted to the Organized Group ‘A’ Services when they are nearing retirement subject to the condition that only at the time of retirement an evaluation of up-gradations/promotions earned by the officer would be made. In case such officers have already attained three financial up gradations under MACP Scheme, they shall not be entitled for NFU to the same grade from a later date.
3. Hindi version will follow.
sd/-
(Mukta Goel)
Director (Estt.I)
Source:http://circulars.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02est/35034_10_2011-Estt-D.pdf
Appointment on Compassionate Grounds - Minimum Educational qualification - reqarding.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
{RAILWAY BOARD}
No. E{NG}II/2011/RC-1/NE/21
New Delhi, Dated: 06.02.2012.
All Zonal Railways/Pus.
Sub:- Appointment on Compassionate Grounds - Minimum Educational qualification - reqarding.
References are being received from zonal Railways/PUs seeking clarification whether exemption from possession of minimum educational qualification for compassionate ground appointment for widows are still applicable after the issue of Board's instructions issued under RBE No. 166/2011.
The matter has been examined and it is hereby advised that widows of ex-Railway employees will be covered in instructions issued under RBE No.166/2011 for the purpose of appointment on compassionate grounds.
sd/-
(Harsha Dass)
Joint Director Estt. {N}-II
Railway Board.
Rates of room charges of Holiday Homes and Touring Officer’s Hostel under Ministry of Urban Development - Revision thereof.
MOST IMMEDIATE
No. D.110128/23/82)-Regions (Vol.II)
Government of India
Ministry of Urban Development
Directorate of Estates
Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated 31st January 2012
Office Memorandum
Reference is invited to Directorate of Estates OM. of even No. dated 30th January 2012 on the above mentioned subject. In this connection it is stated that all visitors to holiday homes and touring officer’s hostel/guest house have to pay booking charges as per revised rates. The prospective visitors whose booking have already been confirmed are required to pay the different amount to the caretaker/concerned authority of holiday home & touring officer’s hostel/guest house at the time of check in. Further, the prospective applicants are advised that the demand draft towards booking charges for the period w.e.f. 1st March 2012 may be sent as per revised charges otherwise their applications wilI not be entertained and rejected summarily.
sd/-
(R.N. Yadav)
Deputy Director of Estates (Policy)
Source: www.estates.nic.in
Clarification regarding Relaxation for travel by air to visit NER/J&K against All India LTC.
Controller General of Defence Accounts,
Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt - 110010
AN/XIV/14162/VIth CPC/Circular/Vol-IV
Dated: 27/01/2012.
To,
All PCsDA/CsDA
(Through CGDA Mail Server)
Sub:- Clarification regarding Relaxation for travel by air to visit NER/J&K against All India LTC.
Reference is invited to this HQrs. office circular of even no. dated 28.12.2011 on the above subject.
2. In this connection, DOP&T have further clarified vide their OM No 31011/8/2010-Estt.(A) dated 18th January 2012 that a Government employee can avail All India LTC to visit J&K by air and those who are not entitled to travel by air may be allowed to travel by air to a city in the J&K from Delhi or Amritsar. Journey upto Delhi/Amritsar will have to be taken as per their entitlement. Also a Government employee can avail All India LTC to visit NER by air and those who are not entitled to travel by air may be allowed to travel by air to a city in the NER from Guwahati or Kolkata. Journey upto Guwahati/Kolkata will have to be taken as per their entitlement.”
This is for your information, guidance and necessary action please.
Please acknowledge receipt.
Sd/-
(R.K. Bhatt)
For CGDA
FRESH EMPANELMENT OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS UNDER CGHS LUCKNOW, HYDERABAD, CHENNAI, PUNE, CHANDIGARH, JABALPUR AND DELHI
No:S.11011/23/2009-CGHS D.II/Hospital Cell / Part IX
Government of India
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Department of Health & Family Welfare
Maulana Azad Road. Nirman Bhawan
New Delhi 110 108 Dated the 5th January, 2012.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to this Ministry’s Office Memoranda of even number dated the 8th December 2010 and the 19th January 2011 vide which continuous empanelment scheme has been initiated under CGHS LUCKNOW, HYDERABAD, CHENNAI, PUNE, CHANDIGARH, JABALPUR AND DELHI for treating CGHS beneficiaries. The CGHS rates applicable have already been notified and are available on CGHS website. Three rates were notified, one for super-speciality hospitals, the second for hospitals that were accredited with the NABH and the third for hospitals not accredited with the NABH.
2. The undersigned is directed to enclose further list of hospitals and diagnostic centres under the categories mentioned in the application for continuous empanelment and tender document that have conveyed their acceptance of the CGHS rates notified under different CGHS Cities and have signed the Memorandum of Agreement with CGHS and have also furnished the appropriate performance bank guarantee. These hospitals and diagnostic centres are now taken as included in the list of approved hospitals for empanelment under CGHS, LUCKNOW, HYDERABAD, CHENNAI, PUNE, CHANDIGARH, JABALPUR AND DELHI.
3. It has now been decided that in the list of hospitals and diagnostic centres enclosed, and have now been approved under tile fresh empanelment procedure and have now signed the fresh Memorandum of Agreement and submitted the appropriate performance guarantee will be eligible to treat CGHS beneficiaries and charge at tile revised rates with effect from the date of issue of this Office Memorandum. The empanelment shall be for a period of one year or till next empanelment, whichever is earlier.
4. This Office Memorandum and the rates applicable under CGHS for hospitals and diagnostic centres can be downloaded from the website of CGHS, http://msotransparent.nic.in/cghsnew/index.asp
sd/-
[Jai Prakash]
Under Secretary to Government of India
Source:www.msotranparent.nic.inGrant of family pension to next eligible member in the family in the case of missing family pensioners.
F.No.1/17/2010-P&PW(E)
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. & Pensions
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
Desk (E)
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi — 03,
Dated the 2nd January, 2012
Office Memorandum
The undersigned is directed to state that as per extant instructions of the Government, conditional provisions have been made in the case of a missing employee/pensioner, as a measure of social security, to cut short the period of 7 years, as given in Sections 107 and 108 of Indian Evidence Act, 1872, after which the presumption of a missing person being no longer alive may be raised, and enable the family pensioner to receive family pension after a period of six months from the date of filing FIR. However, there is no such provision in the case of a missing family pensioner that the next eligible member of the family of the employee/pensioner may be granted family pension.
2. The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has been receiving requests to issue a clarification whether family pension to eligible child/ children of a family pensioner who has been declared missing can be granted.
3. The matter has been considered in this Department in consultation with the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. It has been decided to make similar provisions to mitigate the hardships of the family caused by the deprivation of its rightful family pension as a consequence of disappearance of the family pensioner. The administrative Departments/ Ministries may grant family pension to the next eligible member in the family subject to fulfilment of conditions as prescribed from time to time for dealing with the cases of missing employees/pensioners.
4. The Indemnity Bond prescribed for missing pensioners has been suitably modified to include the name and relationship of the next eligible family member as well as the deceased employee/pensioner and the missing family pensioner(s).
5. These provisions would also be applicable in case a person, who is eligible for family pension, goes missing before the family pension is actually sanctioned to him/her. In such cases, family pension will be sanctioned to the next eligible person.
6. This issues with the concurrence of Department of Expenditure vide their ID No.380/E.V/2011, dated 22.11.2011.
sd/-
(K.K. Mittal)
Director
Source:circulars.nic.inExtension of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme facilities to Nepal domiciled Gorkhas
The Cabinet has approved the extension of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to Nepal Domiciled Gorkhas (NDGs) pensioners Ex-Service Men (ESM). The scheme will be optional for retired Ex-Servicemen NDG Pensioners. Only NDG Ex-servicemen pensioner (paid from Defence Estimates) are eligible for ECHS membership.
There are about 1 lakh ex-servicemen and 2.17 lakh dependents domiciled in Nepal who benefit from the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, (ECHS). They are entitled for medical treatment under ECHS Scheme at Polyclinics, and ECHS empanelled civil hospitals in India. Emergency treatment in India under existing provisions is also available. Considering the practical difficulties being faced by NDG ESM in taking treatment, the Govt. has decided to provide medical facilities to them in Nepal itself. The facilities would be available on the same pattern as is available to Indian ESM residing in India.
Application forms can be collected from the nearest Station HQ of Army/Navy/Air Force in India or from Defence Attache at Kathmandu. Forms can also be down loaded from internet website www.indianarmy.nic.in/arecris.htm. War widows battle causalities and Pre 1996 retirees are exempted from payment of one time ECHS contribution. For others contribution will be as applicable in India in Indian Rupees. For NDGs staying in Nepal contribution can be deposited in India through the Military Receivable Order (MRQ) under existing provisions or deposited in the Indian Government treasury located at Embassy of India, Kathmandu. Persons retiring after the issue of this order will also exercise the option of deduction of contribution by the pension payment authority.
The submission of application forms for retired pensioners NDG ESM will be at the office of Assistant Military Attache (AMA) (ECHS), Embassy of India, Kathmandu supported by attested pension payment order, discharge certificate and proof of deposit of contribution. A Demand Draft for ECHS smart card at the rate of Rs 135/- per card in favour of Director, Regional Centre Lucknow will also have to be submitted. An affidavit with respect to dependency of parents/children as per existing practice in Nepal sworn before the Chief District Officers will be followed. Persons retiring after the issue of this order will submit application forms along with relevant documents through their Record Offices.
The application forms duly vetted by AMA (ECHS) Kathmandu will be forwarded to ECHS Regional Centre Lucknow.
AMA (ECHS), Embassy of India, Kathmandu will deal with matters related to ECHS in respect of pensioner NDG ESM at Nepal.
The present ECHS scheme provides comprehensive and quality health care benefits to pensioner ex-servicemen residing in India. Extending it to pensioner NDGs ex-servicemen in Nepal will meet a long outstanding need for providing health care to pensioner NDG ESM.
All other policies and procedures of ECHS which are applicable in India will also apply to pensioner Nepal Domiciled Gorkhas Ex-servicemen in Nepal.
Read More...
There are about 1 lakh ex-servicemen and 2.17 lakh dependents domiciled in Nepal who benefit from the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, (ECHS). They are entitled for medical treatment under ECHS Scheme at Polyclinics, and ECHS empanelled civil hospitals in India. Emergency treatment in India under existing provisions is also available. Considering the practical difficulties being faced by NDG ESM in taking treatment, the Govt. has decided to provide medical facilities to them in Nepal itself. The facilities would be available on the same pattern as is available to Indian ESM residing in India.
Application forms can be collected from the nearest Station HQ of Army/Navy/Air Force in India or from Defence Attache at Kathmandu. Forms can also be down loaded from internet website www.indianarmy.nic.in/arecris.htm. War widows battle causalities and Pre 1996 retirees are exempted from payment of one time ECHS contribution. For others contribution will be as applicable in India in Indian Rupees. For NDGs staying in Nepal contribution can be deposited in India through the Military Receivable Order (MRQ) under existing provisions or deposited in the Indian Government treasury located at Embassy of India, Kathmandu. Persons retiring after the issue of this order will also exercise the option of deduction of contribution by the pension payment authority.
The submission of application forms for retired pensioners NDG ESM will be at the office of Assistant Military Attache (AMA) (ECHS), Embassy of India, Kathmandu supported by attested pension payment order, discharge certificate and proof of deposit of contribution. A Demand Draft for ECHS smart card at the rate of Rs 135/- per card in favour of Director, Regional Centre Lucknow will also have to be submitted. An affidavit with respect to dependency of parents/children as per existing practice in Nepal sworn before the Chief District Officers will be followed. Persons retiring after the issue of this order will submit application forms along with relevant documents through their Record Offices.
The application forms duly vetted by AMA (ECHS) Kathmandu will be forwarded to ECHS Regional Centre Lucknow.
AMA (ECHS), Embassy of India, Kathmandu will deal with matters related to ECHS in respect of pensioner NDG ESM at Nepal.
The present ECHS scheme provides comprehensive and quality health care benefits to pensioner ex-servicemen residing in India. Extending it to pensioner NDGs ex-servicemen in Nepal will meet a long outstanding need for providing health care to pensioner NDG ESM.
All other policies and procedures of ECHS which are applicable in India will also apply to pensioner Nepal Domiciled Gorkhas Ex-servicemen in Nepal.
Source:pib
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